As Americans, we look for the right thing to do. We try to make differences, either in our own home, community or for the greater good. However, we are often left to wonder - how can I contribute and how do I find the time? Today making a difference in our world can start with as simple an action as changing a light bulb in your home or office and can actually save you time.

When you use ENERGY STAR labeled lighting, you reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned at your local power plant to produce electricity. This helps to combat global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The opportunity to protect the environment while also doing the best thing for your wallet and community is just around the corner. This October through December, ENERGY STAR is partnering with more than 140 manufacturers, retailers and utilities nationwide to challenge Americans to change a light with the Fall Lighting Promotion. More than 30 varieties of energy-efficient lighting products including indoor and outdoor fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and ceiling fans with lighting will be available through national and local promotions, and rebates.

"Change starts with simple, everyday actions," said EPA official and ENERGY STAR spokesperson Wendy Reed. "ENERGY STAR puts the power of change in the hands of Americans. If all Americans changed the lighting in just one room of their home to ENERGY STAR, we could keep one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air."

Consumers now have a choice when it comes to lighting technology. We can use the technology of yesterday or change to ENERGY STAR labeled lighting products, which meet strict energy-efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR labeled light bulbs, light fixtures, and ceiling fans save the environment from harmful greenhouse gases, save consumers money on electric bills, and since CFLs last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs, save time replacing light bulbs.

**Incandescent Fixture**
(three 60w bulbs)
Initial Investment (fixture costs)	$153
Energy Costs	$15
Bulb Replacement Cost	$15
Total Cost	$210

ENERGY STAR Labeled Fixture
Replacement (three pin-based 20w bulbs)
Initial Investment (fixture costs)	$60
Energy Costs	$51
Bulb Replacement Cost	$0
Total Cost	$111

From October to December, 2002, Energy Star will team with more than 140 manufacturers, retailers, utility and state government partners to provide incentives and do special promotions for Energy Star qualified ceiling fans, lighting, fixtures and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to encourage consumers to make the change and adopt energy-efficient practices for themselves and for the environment.

Retailers

B. Posner & Sons Hardware, Inc.
COSTCO Wholesale
Fred Meyer
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Lamps Plus
Sam's Club
The Home Depot
Wal Mart Stores, Inc.

Changing the world starts with simple actions. Replace a light in your home with an Energy Star labeled lighting product and save energy, money and help the environment.

The ENERGY STAR program is an active partnership between consumers, manufacturers, retailers and other industry partners united by a common goal: to help protect our environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices today. Do your part and contribute- for savings that make it worth the while to make a change, for yourself and for the environment. For more information about ENERGY STAR and the Fall Lighting Promotion, visit www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

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