How Many Environmentalists Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?

CFLs save money.

Photo: Christine Balderas / IStock

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So... How many environmentalists does it take to screw in a light bulb?... Find out today, October 1st, on the 8th annual national Energy Star Change a Light Day.

EPA’s Energy Star program is expanding the call for conservation with a new campaign encouraging people to save more, in addition to changing their light bulbs. So far, more than 1.8 million Americans have already pledged to change at least one light at home to an Energy Star-qualified light. That means a total savings of $220 million dollars and prevention of 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gases.

The agency estimates that if every American household took part in the pledge, we would save more than 110 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.

The newly expanded pledge includes a broader range of suggested energy-efficient changes for home and work. Examples include upgrading to a programming a thermostat, adopting power management settings on a computer and more.

Pledges are supported by a vast, and growing, network of grassroots organizations on the ground, from small and large businesses, to schools, religious congregations, military bases, utilities and more. These groups are helping get the word out, energizing members and teaming up.

In an economy that to many is, frankly, terrifying, it's good to know that there are more resources available to educate consumers on how they can save money on those rising bills. Energy Star reports that CFLs accounted for an impressive 20% of the lighting market in 2007, up from 11% in 2006, and under 5% in the early part of the decade. Each Energy Star-qualified CFL can save about $30 or more in electricity costs and prevent 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime -- the equivalent of keeping more than 200 pounds of coal from being burned -- compared to using an incandescent bulb. Go LED (for more money upfront) and we could save even more.

We can all work toward a brighter future.

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