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How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take to Protect the Environment and Save $30? |
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(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 4, 2006) Saving $30, and protecting the
environment, is as easy as changing a light bulb. If every American
household changed a single light bulb to an Energy Star bulb, it would
provide enough power to light more than 2.5 million homes, while saving
consumers money.
"Change A Light, Change The World," which starts today, is an annual
campaign by EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) that encourages Americans
to replace a conventional bulb or fixture in the home or workplace with one
that has earned the government's Energy Star label for energy efficiency.
This year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is joining
the campaign to extend its reach.
"Through Energy Star, President Bush and EPA are brightening America's
future - literally - one light at a time," said EPA Administrator Stephen L.
Johnson. "Saving energy and saving money just makes sense. By encouraging
smart energy decisions, we are getting these lights off the store shelves
and into people's homes."
"The Department of Energy encourages all Americans to answer the president's
call to be more energy efficient," Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said.
"Taking small and easy steps, such as replacing light bulbs with newer, more
efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, can add up to real, substantive
savings."
"Simply replacing a normal light bulb with an Energy Star bulb not only
protects the environment and saves energy, but it will also help families
save on their utility bills," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "HUD is
especially concerned with the impact of utility costs on affordable housing.
Low and moderate-income families spend a disproportionately large share of
their incomes on utilities and are particularly vulnerable to spikes in
energy costs."
Energy Star qualified bulbs and fixtures use one-third the energy of
traditional models and last up to 10 times longer. In fact, consumers can
save more than $30 in utility costs over the lifetime of one bulb.
Replacing the most frequently used lights at home will yield the most
savings.
Individuals who pledged during last year's "Change a Light, Change the
World" Campaign will prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to nearly
3,000 vehicles and save $2 million in energy costs.
The less energy we use, the less energy electric utilities must generate,
and less demand means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. If homeowners change
just one bulb to an Energy Star qualified bulb they will prevent the release
of more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
President Bush and EPA are working to change the way America powers its
homes and businesses by promoting common-sense conservation measures like
the Energy Star program. Products that have earned the Energy Star label
save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy
efficiency guidelines set by EPA and DOE. The Energy Star program works with
more than 8,000 private and public sector organizations. Many of these
organizations will help celebrate the "Change A Light, Change The World"
campaign with activities, events, government proclamations and store
promotions showcasing energy-efficient lighting.
Americans are invited to visit the Energy Star Web site to join the more
than 110,000 who have pledged to replace at least one light at home, and see
the positive difference even small energy-saving actions at home can make.
General information about the Energy Star Change A Light campaign:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=change_light.changealight_about
Take The Pledge!
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=cal.showPledge
Radio Public service announcements (PSAs)
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_english - in English
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_spanish - en español
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