Swap a Light - Save Energy and Money

The Environmental Protection Agency says if every American changed just one light bulb to an Energy Star qualified bulb, we'd save enough energy to light 7 million homes. So what's the difference between a traditional incandescent bulb and an energy saving compact florescent?

Compact florescent light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than most standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. While the price of an Energy Star CFL may initially be greater, the EPA says the energy savings from the bulb more than makes up the difference. Using just one compact florescent can save you $30 on your energy bill over the course of a year. It's not just homeowners cashing in on the savings - corporations have begun getting in the act, as well.

The Bank of America Tower in Miami recently began switching to more efficient bulbs. When the town of Amherst, NY, updated some 100 buildings with - among other improvements - energy efficient lighting, the result was about three-quarters of a million dollars in savings each year.

This year, as part of Energy Star's annual "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign, Sylvania is encouraging 100,000 people to make a pledge to replace at least one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star rated one. Consumers can log onto www.sylvania.com to take the pledge.