A Bright Idea: Save Money with Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs
- Don’t overlook the obvious: turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Use a lower wattage bulb whenever possible
- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy and money-saving, compact fluorescents (or CFLs)
CFL Lightbulbs vs. Traditional Incandescents
CFL Lightbulbs
- Use 75% less energy
- Last 10 times longer
- Are safer to the touch (producing 75% less heat)
CFL lightbulbs can save you a fortune on lighting costs in your home. Save even more on the purchase of the bulbs with these money saving coupons…
Throughout the US: $1.00 off any Sylvania Energy Star rated CFL
AK: Info on CFL rebate program
CA: CFL rebate info for residents of Roseville
CO: $1.00 off any Energy-Star rated CFL
CT: Info on CFL rebates and coupons
HI: $1.00-$2.00 off GE CFL Lightbulbs
MN: $2.00 rebate for any Energy-Star rated CFL (no limit)
$15 rebate for any Energy-Star rated lighting fixture (Waseca)
OR: Info on $2.00 CFL coupon
TX: $2.00-$4.00 off any Energy-Star rated CFL
Don’t see your state here? Google “your state” CFL coupon or call your local utility company to find out if there is a coupon or rebate program in your area.
Worried About Mercury?
If you haven’t already heard…CFL light bulbs use mercury. The average bulb has about 5 milligrams, which is 100 times less than the amount that was in the old glass thermometers. But it’s still mercury…and I don’t usually like to jump on the bandwagon of products that just create another problem in the future. But I think in the case of CFLs, the energy and money savings are so great and the problem so minimal that it’s not really a cause for concern. For right now, its just important to recycle them properly, and many major stores are jumping in to make that happen, check out IKEA and Home Depot or click over to Earth 911 to find a recycling program near you.
May is Money-Saving Month at The Green Parent so check back each day for more ways to save money by going green!
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