ENERGY STAR ® Launches Nationwide Energy Campaign

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), saving $30, and protecting the environment, can be as easy as changing a light bulb. They say that 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 began on Oct. 4, 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.

"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.

Consumers 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.