Change a Light, Change the World
Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy as changing a light bulb. Using compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, instead of the standard incandescent bulb can result in significant savings in both time and money.
Here’s what makes them such a bright idea:
- CFLs use a third of the energy used by incandescent bulbs, and produce 90 percent less heat.
- CFLs last up to 13 times longer than standard bulbs. They’ll need to be changed far less often, making them extra convenient in hard-to-reach and high-use fixtures.
- CFLs save an average of $30 each in energy cost over their lifetime. If you change five bulbs in the most frequently used areas of your home, you’ll save more than $150. That’s no small change.
- Although CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, they actually have less of an environmental impact than incandescent bulbs. The greatest source of airborne mercury is coal-burning power plants, and replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs will help lower the amount of mercury in the atmosphere.
- If every incandescent light bulb in the U.S. was replaced with a CFL, we could cease operations at 80 coal-burning power plants.
Take the Pledge
Now that you know why CFLs are such a bright idea, take the CFL Change a Light Pledge! We set a goal of 1,000 pledges before October 2008, which will save a minimum of 282,000 kWh of energy and prevent 446,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Every light changed is a step in the right direction.
Here is a look at our progress as of January 31, 2008:
As you can see, the 444 pledges we have already received will have a profoundly beneficial effect on the environment, but WE ARE STILL 566 PLEDGES SHORT OF OUR GOAL. This is where you come in.
Baldwin EMC sells CFLs at all three of its office locations for a very reasonable price. The 14 watt bulbs (60 watt equivalents) cost $2.38 plus tax, and the 20 watt bulbs (75 watt equivalent) are $3.21 plus tax. And the CFLs on sale at Baldwin EMC are made by Durabright and come with a 9 year warranty from the manufacturer. Because the bulbs are breakable, we cannot ship them to your home, they’re only available for purchase in our offices.
You are not required to purchase CFLs from Baldwin EMC to sign the Change-A-Light pledge.
Free recycling service now available
Since June 2007, Baldwin EMC has been participating in a CFL recycling program. Just bring your broken or worn out CFL bulbs to any of our three offices and drop them in the RecyclePak® five-gallon bucket in the lobby. Helping protect the environment is that easy!
If you have any questions, call Baldwin EMC at (251) 989-6247 or toll free at (800) 837-3374 and speak to one of our Energy Marketing Specialists.