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 this week, is an annual campaign by EPA and the Department of Energy 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 is joining the campaign to extend its reach.

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.

EPA and DOE are asking homeowners to take the “Change a Light, Change the World” pledge.

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.

Americans are invited to visit the Energy Star website 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.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority marked Energy Awareness Month by announcing installation of energy-saving light bulbs in thousands of apartments.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority is taking the slogan, “Change a Light, Change the World” to a whole new level. The agency announced a plan this week to replace every light bulb in every apartment that it manages with Compact fluorescent bulbs, a move that potentially could save millions of dollars in energy costs over the next several years.

10/7/2006