Yes, I've seen the light, and it's coming from a compact fluoresent light bulb. We recently bought a CFL bulb because, according to the EPA's
ENERGY STAR web site,
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 32-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
and they
operate at less than 100F, they are also safer than typical halogen bulbs, which are frequently used in floor lamps or torchieres and burn at 1,000F. Due to their high heat output, halogens can cause burns and fires. CFLs are cool to the touch.
OK, they use less energy, last longer, are safer, and save money (in the long run)--that's all great, but
WHY WRITE A DAILY KOS DIARY ABOUT 'EM?
If every US household changed out their 5 most frequently used light fixtures or the light bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified ones, together we'd keep more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of our air. This would be equivalent in air pollution to taking more than 8 million cars off the road for an entire year.
When you use ENERGY STAR, you actively reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned at your local power plant to produce electricity. This prevents pollution and combats global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions -- good news for you, the air we breathe, and the environment.
That's why. Incredible, isn't it.
Unlike fluorescent lights of yore, our CFL bulb doesn't flicker or buzz, and it gives off a warm, natural bright light. (Apparently compact fluorescent bulbs have been around for some time, but they've undergone much improvement recently, and have become more affordable and more widely available.
P.S.
I recently posted a diary about the administration's outrageous closing of Environmental Protection Agency libraries. Commenters suggested writing letters to the editor, complaining to members of Congress and the administration, and seeking media attention for this issue. At the same time, let's follow the good advice of our EPA scientists and make the switch ;-) to compact fluorescent bulbs wherever feasible. If we all just do a little, it could add up to so much!