How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change the World? One. And You're Looking At It.

How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change the World? One. And You're Looking At It.

So, think you can't really make a difference in this whole global warming thing? Think again! Check out this excerpt from a Fast Company Article:

"Compact fluorescents emit the same light as classic incandescents but use 75% or 80% less electricity.

What that means is that if every one of 110 million American households bought just one ice-cream-cone bulb, took it home, and screwed it in the place of an ordinary 60-watt bulb, the energy saved would be enough to power a city of 1.5 million people. One bulb swapped out, enough electricity saved to power all the homes in Delaware and Rhode Island. In terms of oil not burned, or greenhouse gases not exhausted into the atmosphere, one bulb is equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the roads.

That's the law of large numbers--a small action, multiplied by 110 million. "

Dan and I have changed almost all of the lightbulbs in the house since we saw An Inconvenient Truth. We took the old ones to The Rescue Mission, but perhaps we should have thrown them out. Our thinking was that if someone in need of lightbulbs is shopping at the Rescue Mission, they probably aren't aware of the value of compact fluorescents.

Dan is now (right this minute) taking an inventory of the remaining traditional bulbs so that they can be replaced. Listen, it's the right thing for the environment, and for your pocketbook! Here's another excerpt from this article:

"Swirl bulbs don't just work, they pay for themselves. They use so little power compared with old reliable bulbs, a $3 swirl pays for itself in lower electric bills in about five months. Screw one in, turn it on, and it's not just lighting your living room, it's dropping quarters in your pocket. The advantages pile up in a way to almost make one giddy. Compact fluorescents, even in heavy use, last 5, 7, 10 years. Years. Install one on your 30th birthday; it may be around to help illuminate your 40th. "

One simple step to help our world, and to save money! So what's stopping you? Get the kids in on the action, screwing and unscrewing light bulbs. They know about global warming, they are learning about it in science class. And it's almost Earth Day - so go for it!

Companies press Bush, Congress on climate: reports - washingtonpost.com

Companies press Bush, Congress on climate: reports - washingtonpost.com

More evidence that corporate leaders are conscious about the challenging realities of climate change, AND that they are willing to take a stand. Kudos to Alcoa Inc., General Electric Co., DuPont Co., Duke Energy Corp, Caterpillar, PG&E, the FPL Group, PNM Resources, BP and Lehman Brothers, who have formed the United States Climate Action Partnership.

If you are still a "Doubting Thomas", I ask you to examine your motives for this position, and also to look more closely at the science. If you have refused to see "An Inconvenient Truth" because you don't like Al Gore's politics, I ask you to open your mind a bit. I have had very close friends say to me "I won't watch that movie - no way." As Al Gore states in the film "This is not a political issue, this is a moral issue." If you love your children, you owe it to them to swallow your pride, or whatever is getting in the way, and get educated. Look at the funding sources and credentials of the scientists that are confirming the issue, vs. those that are denying that humans are causing the current warming trend. And if you work for one of the companies that is "in denial" or funding fear, uncertainty and doubt, work internally to create change. Individuals most come together into groups and take a stand for our planet, and future generations. If not you, who?

Luckily, I believe that the tipping point is fast approaching, if not already here. Our favorite waitress at the local breakfast place heard Dan and I discussing global warming today, and she piped right up "You've got to see that movie!". She thought the beginning was "kind of boring", but that we definitely have a problem, and we all need to do something about it. I was thrilled! I shared with her that we have changed all of our lightbulbs, we replaced our worst windows, we source our electricity from renewable sources, and we are planning to replace our vehicles with hybrids. And I continue to try to create awareness with anyone who will listen.

We will continue to look for ways to do more. I am considering buying carbon credits to offset my air travel. I am supporting an IBM Thinkplace idea that is asking IBM to consider bidding "net-zero carbon impact" projects. I am working with my sales organization to identify clients with whom we can partner to drive "green" innovation.

And what about you? One by one, we can use our ingenuity and our passion to pave the way to a much brighter future (brighter, but not warmer!). Hey, we put a man on the moon - we can do this!

Living With Ed - Environmentally Responsible Living : Home & Garden Television

Living With Ed - Environmentally Responsible Living : Home & Garden Television OK - it's a new year, and time for new thinking! Seriously, the green movement has gone mainstream, and this new "docu-soap" looks like it might be a good mix of humor and insight on what it takes to hop on board.

You know my blood is running green these days, and I am sure that Dan and I will find more than a few things to laugh about. Hey, it's been a long road, but Dan is totally on-board with buying organic, replacing light bulbs, windpower, socially responsible investing (well - I think he's on board, he signed the paperwork), and hybrid cars (plug-in hybrid if we had the option). Let me tell you, it's a process, a dialogue, AND an education! For Dan, even though he is definitely NOT an Al Gore fan, the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" hit a chord that really shifted his perspective on the environment, and our responsibility to future generations. Anyway, we're gonna check out this new show! Tune in!