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How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take to Protect the Environment and Save $30?

Release Date: 10/04/2006
Contact Information: Jessica Emond, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected] John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected] Lina Younes, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(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)
- in English http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_english
- en español http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cal.psa_spanish