The Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging Americans to swap out their light bulbs for Energy Star
certified LED bulbs, which can save consumers on energy costs and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
The push, with a goal of swapping out 300 million bulbs this year, marked the launch of a yearlong campaign, “Light the
Moment with Energy Star,” through which the EPA hopes to educate Americans on
the benefits of Energy Star LED bulbs.
According to the agency, LED bulbs last
at least 15 times longer than traditional bulbs and use up to 90 percent less
electricity. With each bulb representing potential energy savings of $55
dollars over its 12-year lifetime, the agency estimates that changing out 300
million bulbs would result in $1.5 billion in energy savings and prevent 17
billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
“Energy Star-certified lighting is one of
the easiest opportunities for American consumers to save energy, save money,
and protect the environment from climate change,” EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy said. “The lighting market is poised for dramatic change towards
high-quality, long-lasting products that use a fraction of the energy compared
to the bulbs they replace and save Americans money at the same time, and that’s
a win-win in my book.”
EPA launches effort to encourage switch to LED light bulbs
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