"One Billion Bulbs"

Most advocates of a "Green America" suggest switching from the present incandescent light bulb to either of these two technologies.

• Compact Florescent Light (CFL)
• Pro: uses 70 percent less electricity
• Con: contains mercury
• Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Pro: uses 90 percent less electricity
• Con: extremely expensive cutting-edge technology

Symmetric Technologies wants to change one billion bulbs. On their website OneBillionBulbs.com you can report your personal steps to decrease carbon emmisions Michigan is only at 65 percent of the companies goal towards reducing emissions. Please do your part to reduce your carbon emissions and work towards a "Greener Michigan".

Compact Florescent Light (CFL) bulbs are rated by the governement. Here are some additional tips and information from the govenments Energy Star website.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:

• Use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.
• Save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb's lifetime
• Generate 70 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
• In addition to other quality requirements, must turn on instantly, produce no sound, and fall within a warm color range or be otherwise labeled as providing cooler color tones.
• Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.

Where to Use CFLs:

• To get the most energy savings, replace bulbs where lights are on the most, such as your family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch.
• Some CFLs have trouble operating in enclosed fixtures. Check the CFL's packaging for any restrictions on use.

How to Choose the Right Light:

• Matching the right CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time. Read the packaging to be sure that the type you choose works for the fixture you have in mind. For example:
• If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or 3-way switch, select CFLs that are labeled for this use
• For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a 'reflector' CFL versus a standard-shaped bulb.
• Choose the color that works best for you. For example, while most CFLs are created with warm colors for your home, you could choose a cooler color for task lighting.
• To get a CFL with the right amount of light, choose one that offers the same lumen rating as the light you are replacing. The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output. Use the table below to see how lumens can generally be compared.

Purchasing Tips:

1. Place ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs in the fixtures you use most frequently. CFLs are most efficient when they operate for several hours at a time (2 hours or more).
2. Certain CFLs are designed to work in dimmable, 3-way fixtures, as well as torchieres. Check the package to be sure you are buying the correct bulb.
3. Use ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Because CFLs last longer, you enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently.
4. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Select the best shape and size to fit your needs:
        •   Bare, Mini-spirals, Spirals
        •   Bare, Double, Triple, and Quadruple tubes
        •   Circle-line
        •   Covered A-line
        •   Covered Globe
        •   Covered Bullet or Torpedo
5. Smaller sizes mean greater compatibility with your fixtures. Today's ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are designed to be smaller and thinner than earlier models, so you can install them in a wider variety of fixtures, such as wall sconces, ceiling-mounted fixtures, and ceiling fans.
6. Qualified CFLs are available in a range of color temperatures:
        •   Warm, white light: Look for a color temperature of 2,700-3,000K.
        •   Cooler, white light: Look for a color temperature of 4,500-6,000K.
7. Recycle CFLs properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. To find out what to do, first check www.Earth911.org 

What are you doing to decrease your energy consumption? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments section below. Living in Oakland County, please do your part.

Others in this series: "No Impact Man"    100 MPG X-PRIZE   One Billion Bulbs  Energizing Michigan's Economy 

One Small Step for Man...?  Select Michigan Products  How Green is Your Funeral? 

Help!...Do You Give Eco-Friendly Closing Gifts?   Earth Day Coupons, Games, Offers, and Family Activities   

EEK! Michigan Schools Get an Alternative Energy Plan  Kids!...Roofus Saves the Day???   

 "...Tell Me, Are We Alive, or Just a Dying Planet?..."