The amount of pollution equivalent to the emissions of two million cars can be removed from the atmosphere if every household replaces one lightbulb with an ENERGY STAR–qualified compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) bulb. One bulb. Will you do it?...How about five?

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TAKE ACTION TODAY

  1. Buy a package of CFL bulbs today.
  2. Refer to the lumen or light output on the product packaging as your guide to determine correct wattage.
  3. Replace at least 1 regular lightbulb with a CFL bulb. The more bulbs you change, the better it is for the environment and your wallet.
  4. Place qualified CFLs in the fixtures you use most frequently.
  5. Use qualified CFLs in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures.
  6. Find a bulb recycling location for proper disposal methods. CFL bulbs should not be thrown away in your home or office garbage cans. Many major retailers also offer take-back programs.

FACTS

  • 75% less energy is used with an ENERGY STAR—labeled CFL compared to a standard incandescent bulb (regular lightbulb).
  • ENERGY STAR was introduced by the EPA as a voluntary labeling program designed to help businesses and individuals choose energy-efficient products wisely and better protect the environment.
  • CFLs last up to 10 times longer and save $30 over the life of the bulb.
  • CFLs are safer because they produce less than 100°F of heat compared to halogen bulbs at 1000°F.
  • Replacing 1 bulb prevents the release of 450 pounds of carbon dioxide in just 1 year.
  • If each home replaced 5 frequently used lightbulbs, close to $3 billion a year in energy costs could be saved.

More Ways to Make Your Mondays Matter
Excerpted from: Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza. Copyright © 2008 Every Monday Matters LLC. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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