CFL and LED Lighting
Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) or LED (light-emitting diode) lighting can save money, while at the same time improving the long-term condition of the Earth.
CFLs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, equating to approximately $30 worth of savings over their lifetime. See the buyers guide here.
Recent concerns have been raised that CFLs contribute to rising mercury levels, and while they do make an impact upon being deposited in a dump, EnergyStar points out that over the lifelifes of the two bulbs, CFLs contribute comparitively less than the traditional variety. EnergyStar recommends contacting your local solid waste management agency for proper disposal instructions. They also recommend these sites for more information:
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More information from EnergyStar can be found on a fact sheet here.
LEDs are currently the premier commercially available light source for envirnmentally-minded individuals or organizations. More information from EneryStar, including a purchasing guide, is available here.
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Jon
jon.rutz@creationcareforpastors.com