Challenge: Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
Energy
efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use about one-third
the electricity of conventional incandescent bulbs to produce the same
amount of light, and they last many times longer. CFLs cost more than
incandescent bulbs, but they last ten times longer, so the increased
cost is offset by the savings in replacement bulbs as well as the
energy savings.
What You Should Know
- Replacing a 100 watt incandescent light bulb with a 25 watt compact fluorescent bulb
will save 135 kWh of electricity annually, and can reduce associated
carbon dioxide emission by 89.4 pounds (based on 5 hours per day use
and 0.653 lbs CO2/kWh. for California.)
- Most
people use 60-watt incandescent bulbs or reflectorized floodlights on
their porches or in their backyards, which are the least efficient ways
to light. Replacing both types with CFLs that do the same job but use
1/4 of the energy.
- Dimmable, 3-Way, and Torpedo/Candle bulbs (for chandeliers), and bulbs in a variety of warm colors are increasingly available.
Easy Things You Can Do
Replace at least three high-use incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs).
Buy CFLs with an ENERGY STAR label: your assurance that the product is among the most energy efficient in its class. Check
local hardware stores or, if you can't find what you're looking for or
want to be sure to find the latest in bulb technology, check the Energy Federation website.
Put outdoor lights on a compatible timer or photocell control so they'll operate only when needed.
Recycle them: Worn out CFLs should be taken
to your local recycling location or Home Depot (which accepts only
bulbs, not tubes). Never throw CFLs in the trash!
Things You May Be Worried About
- A CFL contains less than 4 mg of mercury,
a neurotoxin. But power plants typically emit about 10 mg of mercury
into the atmosphere in order to generate the electricity needed for an
incandescent bulb, so there is a clear environmental benefit to using
CFLs, especially if they're recycled properly.
- General guidelines for cleaning up a broken bulb
includes: open a window and ventilate the room for 15 minutes, wear
rubber globes to collect the glass, damp-mop or use sticky-tape instead
of sweeping or vacuuming to avoid stirring up dust, keep children and
pregnant women away, double-bag and seal all glass remnants and powder
debris and take them to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Sources: 51 Easy Ways You Can Prevent Global Warming and Save Money, by Jeffrey Langholz, PhD, and Kelly Turner, and 30 Simple Energy Things You Can Do To Save the Earth, by PG&E, Energy Federation, EnergyStar.gov