Change a light, change the world

The City of Mesa Utilities Department is encouraging its customers to help preserve our country’s energy resources and help reduce the risks of global climate change by taking part in the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign. This national call-to-action from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development encourages every individual to help change the world, one light—one energy-saving step—at a time.

At the heart of the Campaign is the ENERGY STAR Change a Light pledge, an online form available in English and Spanish for individuals to commit to being more energy efficient by switching at least one light bulb in their home to an ENERGY STAR qualified one.

Because lighting accounts for up to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill, changing to more efficient options not only makes a dent in the amount of fossil fuels power plants must burn to generate electricity, but also helps reduce our electric bills at home. To get the most energy and cost savings – about $60 per year – customers are encouraged to replace the five bulbs where lights are on the most, such as the family and living room, kitchen, dining room, and porch. Place bulbs in open fixtures that allow air flow and, if replacing a bulb that operates on a dimmer or a three-way switch, look for bulbs specifically designed for these applications.

Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified lighting for the home is a simple way to save time, energy and money. Each bulb, on average, can prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Also, qualified bulbs and fixtures produce about 70 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

To take the Change a Light pledge, visit www.energystar.gov/changealight. For more information on ENERGY STAR lighting and other energy-efficient products, visit www.energystar.gov.