New light bulbs can save money, pounds of pollution

By Barbara Brown
Two residents at Uptown Maple Commons in North Branch were enlightened last week when representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) introduced an initiative to save energy, money and cut down on pollution simply by changing light bulbs.
Several people gathered at Uptown Maple Commons to usher in this yearís push to get everyone to use more energy efficient light bulbs.
After a brief discussion about the benefits of using Energy Star products, several traditional incandescent light bulbs were replaced in Georgia Holidayís apartment and the apartment of Betty and XXXX Lindbloom.
The new bulbs, though they looked a little odd, supplied as much light as the old incandescent bulbs, but are proven to burn more efficiently and ultimately save the user money on utility costs.
U.S. Department of Energy spokesperson Carla Clemons said the ìChange a Light, Change the Worldî slogan for the Energy Star program is not just a catchy saying.
She said pollutants from using regular incandescent lights can be cut dramatically if everyone changed their light bulbs to the more energy efficient ones.
ìAs the days become shorter, Americans begin keeping their lights on longer,î Clemons said. ìThis is a perfect time to replace old bulbs and fixtures with lighting that has earned the Energy Star for high efficiency.î
North Branch Water and Light superintendent Bruce Walters said the city has jumped on board with the program, having already changed the cityís street lamp light bulbs from 250 mercury bulbs to 150 watt sodium-based bulbs, saving money energy and money for the city.
North Branch Mayor Gloria Karsky said she was happy to see North Branch picked as one of the Minnesota cities to act as partners with DOE and EPA this year.
The Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World campaign started four years ago.
It is an annual challenge to all Americans to switch their lighting products to energy efficient ones.
Energy Star gives consumers energy-efficient choices for more than 35 product categories for home and office. Products that earn the Energy Star prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE.
Energy Star is a partnership between government and the public and businesses to protect the environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices today.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, changing to more efficient products not only saves energy, emissions and pollution but also saves consumers money.
During October and November, the EPA and DOE are partnering with manufacturers, retailers, governments and utilities in the United States to raise energy efficiency awareness.
Locally, the ACE Hardware on Main Street in North Branch, along with several other Minnesota ACE Hardware stores, are offering a $2 instant rebate on the purchase of General Electric Energy Star qualified lighting products.
Also, the bulbs and fixtures with the Energy Star mark are sales tax exempt through July 31, 2005.

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