COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

Many scientists now say that global climate change is underway, due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting build-up of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" in the atmosphere. Climate change threatens human health and well-being because of more severe storms and droughts, rising sea levels, the increased spread of infectious diseases, and other adverse effects.

While policy makers and nations debate a tougher international treaty to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, there is much that we as individuals can do in our homes and workplaces to reduce our contribution to global warming. The good news is that many of these actions can save money as well as protect our environment.

Lighting accounts for about 20% of all electricity use in the country and about 15% of electricity use in our homes. The typical household spends about $110 per year on lighting and most of this is wasted on inefficient incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs are actually heaters in disguise, converting 90% of the electricity to heat and only about 10% to visible light.

There are practical alternatives to standard light bulbs -- compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs are now widely available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Many produce light that has a "warm" appearance, similar to that produced by an incandescent bulb. Although larger than ordinary light bulbs, CFLs are getting smaller and will fit in many light fixtures. Newer models contain electronic circuitry making them lighter and more compact, and absent the hum and flicker of ordinary fluorescent lights.

CFLs use one-quarter to one-third as much electricity as incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times as long. If widely used, their environmental benefits would be enormous. Where electricity is produced from coal -- and most is -- each CFL will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,300 pounds over its lifetime.

If every household replaced its most commonly used incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, electricity use for lighting could be cut in half. Doing so would lower our annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 125 billion pounds. This action alone could halt the growth in carbon dioxide emissions from the United States, given recent growth rates.

The electricity savings and longer life of CFLs more than justify their seemingly high cost. For example, by paying $15 to $20 initially for an 18 watt CFL, consumers can avoid buying ten ordinary 75 watt bulbs and save about $45 in electricity costs over the life of the CFL. Put differently, investing in a CFL provides a risk-free "return" of 25-40% a year. Not bad, compared to investing in passbook savings, a money market account, or even the volatile stock market.

CFLs can be used in various types of light fixtures -- table lamps, ceiling lights, spot lights, and other applications. CFLs also are starting to be produced for replacing halogen torchieres, inexpensive floor lamps that have been purchased in large numbers in recent years. Unfortunately, halogen torchieres are no more efficient than incandescent lighting and they also are a fire hazard. Some light fixtures are specifically designed for CFLs, and many of these can be identified by the Energy Star label sponsored by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

So by installing CFLs in their most commonly used light fixtures, consumers will do good for the environment and for their own pocketbooks. If more households did this, we could take an important step towards protecting the planet from global warming.