One of the best ways to save the planet that I know of is to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Just one makes a difference; five or more is even better. To the consumer, CFs may seem expensive initially, but in the long run their longer lifespan and thrifty use of electricity save money and maybe more than money. For utility companies and municipalities concerned about power failures, the energy savings are so significant they often offer good discounts. It's no coincidence that in Chicago, which suffered a deadly heatwave in 1995, subsidized CFs are 99¢. Consider the impact of climate change – then don't curse the darkness, get a CF.The new generation of CFs includes chandelier bulbs, dimmer bulbs, spot bulbs, and outdoor bulbs. Several synagogues roundabout Exit 151 will be selling reduced-price CFs for Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Montclair has a buy five, get one free program for township residents (contact Gray Russell). A good online source is Bulbs.com.
The November 19 meeting of the Interfaith Environmental Coalition will include a tour of Temple Ner Tamid, which received grants to install a $300,000 solar array. Houses of worship are often ideal for such installations, as many have a long east-west roof (= full-day sun exposure). It sure beats trying to raise money by hosting a cell phone tower! I'll take pix if I can.
4 comments:
For Exit 151ers reading--besides maybe you and me!--Costco in Clifton is where I bought a 10 pack of them for less than $10.
I still haven't noticed a difference in my electric bill though. I think we just don't use lights much. This old house has some decent lights and we tend to follow the sun thru the house as the day progresses.
We have tried them and I find that the CF bulbs cause eyestrain.
We got our first CFs almost 20 years ago and I think we still have one of them! At the time I saved my Con Ed bills and proved to my classes that they actually saved electricity.
i found daylight versions, and they don't cause as much eyestrain as the others.
i'm glad you posted that link, because i've been struggling with the thought of the chandelier in the dining room. it takes 8 bulbs, and is blazing hot if all 8 work. these might be cooler, with any hope, and damned cheaper in the long run (i might even put in all 8! we usually run 3 or 4 because they're so hot)
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