Sustainability Challenges - July
Switch a light to a compact fluorescent
Why should people use CFLs?
Switching for traditional light bulbs (called incandescent) to CFLs is and effective, simple change everyone in America can make right now. Making this change will help us use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20% of the average home's electric bill. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75% less energy (electricity) than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment.
If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes. That would prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars.
Example of Cost Savings |
CFL |
Incand. |
| Initial Purchase Price (per bulb) | $3.77 |
$0.27 |
| Replacement Costs (estimated 7 bulbs) | $0.00 |
$1.89 |
| Energy Costs (based on $0.10/kWh, 8,000-hour bulb) |
$12.00 |
$48.00 |
| Total Cost | $15.77 |
$50.16 |
| Estimated Savings | $34.39 |
