No matter the color of your skin, language you speak, or religion one practices, the single thing that everyone has in common is that we are all Earthlings. As Earthbound inhabitants it is up to all of us to commit to assisting Earth in sustaining its ability to sustain us.
A commitment does not mean a disruption to one’s life. There are many simple things that one can do to take their part in helping save the Earth’s future.
Contributing to a sustainable future is easy as changing a light bulb.
The traditional light bulbs used in the home are known as incandescent. Simply by switching an incandescent bulb for a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) can save dollars and energy.
In America alone if one bulb was switched out in each home for a CFL it could save enough energy to light more than three million homes, preventing the release of greenhouse emissions that equal about 800,000 cars (source energystar.gov).
- A CFL will last up to ten times longer than a traditional bulb and use up to 75 percent less energy.
- A CFL uses less electricity and help prevent greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for the global climate change.
- A CFL are most efficient when used in fixtures that stay on for longer periods, so they are not recommended for locations such as closets.
- A CFL can save 40 dollars or more in electric costs during its lifetime.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs come in many same shapes and sizes to make for a smooth and easy transition for any light fixture.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs require a slight wait for warm-up time to reach their full brightness.
Spiral
- Lamps with hard, fixed, shades
- Ceiling fixtures
- Ceiling fans
- Wall sconces
- Outdoor covered
A-Line
- Lamps with hard, fixed, shades
- Clamp shade (attaches itself directly to bulb)
- Pendant fixture
- Ceiling fan
- Outdoor covered
Globe
- Pendant fixture
- Ceiling fan
Tubed
- Lamps with hard, fixed, shades
- Wall sconces
- Outdoor covered
Decorative Candle
- Ceiling fan
- Wall sconces
- Outdoor covered
Indoor reflector (PAR)
- Recessed ceiling fixture (comes in different widths, make sure to match diameter of bulb to fixture)
- Canned fixture
- Track lighting
Outdoor reflector (PAR)
- Outdoor exposed (note that timers and motion sensors may not be compatible with CFL’s)
3-Way
- Lamps with hard, fixed, shades that require 3-way
Dimmable
- Fixtures on dimmer switches
Purchase the compatible CFL bulb wattage to the traditional.
- 7-9W CFL = 25W
- 11 W CFL = 40W
- 15-16W CFL = 60W
- 28W CFL = 100W
- 38-39W CFL = 150W
Plumen makes a designer energy saving light bulb
“The Plumen 001 is the world’s first designer energy saving light bulb.” Energy saving light bulbs use 80% less energy than the traditional incandescent light bulb. They keep electricity bills down and help with the environment. They last around 8 times longer than traditional bulbs.
- Plumen has taken the energy saving bulbs, that we have come to known, and put a designer spin on them. These attractive bulbs are unique and look beautiful hanging as a pendant fixture. The glass light tubes come in a variety of artistic shapes.
Note that disposal of CFL bulbs should be taken with different care than traditional
- EPA recommends recycling CFLs
- CFLs contain a bit of mercury so they should never be incinerated. A CFL should never be thrown in the trash
If you break a CFL, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends you take the following steps:
- Open a window to disperse any vapor that may escape and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
- Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag; use disposable rubber gloves if available. Do not use your bare hands.
- Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
- Place the plastic bag in a second sealed plastic bag and dispose of in the trash. Some states require that broken and unbroken CFLs be taken to a recycling center.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
- For carpet cleaning and additional information on CFL disposal, see the Energy Star CFL page.
Everyone can do their part to light our way to a brighter future. Remember changing only one light bulb can make a huge difference. Point the energy efficient spot light onto yourself and never be afraid to dance!
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