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Why Save-n-Energy? In the United States, approximately 6.6 tons (almost 15,000 pounds carbon equivalent) of greenhouse gases are emitted per person every year. And emissions per person have increased about 3.4% between 1990 and 1997. Most of these emissions, about 82%, are from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and power our cars. The remaining emissions are from methane from wastes in our landfills, raising livestock, natural gas pipelines, and coal, as well as from industrial chemicals and other sources.  –EPA As an individual, you can affect the emissions of about 4,800 pounds of carbon equivalent, or nearly 32% of the total emissions per person, by the choices you make in three areas of your life. These areas are the electricity we use in our homes, the waste we produce, and personal transportation. The other 68% of emissions are affected more by the types of industries in the U.S., the types of offices we use, how our food is grown, and other factors.-EPA Rising global temperatures are expected to raise sea level, and change precipitation and other local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into existing rangelands, and features of some of our National Parks may be permanently altered.-EPA Environmental Destruction StopGlobalWarming.org The massive ice sheets in the Arctic are melting at alarming rates. This is causing the oceans to rise. That’s how big these ice sheets are! Most of the world’s population lives on or near the coasts. Rising ocean levels, an estimated six feet over the next 100 years or sooner, will cause massive devastation and economic catastrophe to population centers worldwide. The United States, with only four percent of the world’s population, is responsible for 22% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. A rapid transition to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources will combat global warming, protect human health, create new jobs, protect habitat and wildlife, and ensure a secure, affordable energy future. Health Risks Malaria. Dengue Fever. Encephalitis. These names are not usually heard in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices in the United States. But if we don’t act to curb global warming, they will be. As temperatures rise, disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents spread, infecting people in their wake. Doctors at the Harvard Medical School have linked recent U.S. outbreaks of dengue (‘break bone’s) fever, malaria, Hantavirus and other diseases directly to climate change. Catastrophic Weather Super powerful hurricanes, fueled by Warmer Ocean temperatures are the “smoking gun” of global warming. Since 1970, the number of category 4 and 5 events has jumped sharply. Hurricane Katrina, in September 2005 almost became a category 6 event. Human activities are adding an alarming amount of pollution to the earth’s atmosphere causing catastrophic shifts in weather patterns. These shifts are causing severe heat, floods and worse. How to change and why? EnergyStar.gov 1. A Brighter Earth If every US household changed out their 5 most frequently used light fixtures or the light bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified ones, together we'd keep more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of our air. This would be equivalent in air pollution to taking more than 8 million cars off the road for an entire year. When you use ENERGY STAR, you actively reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned at your local power plant to produce electricity. This prevents pollution and combats global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions -- good news for you, the air we breathe, and the environment. 2. Money and Energy Savings ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures use two-thirds less energy. Less energy use means more money in your pocket. A typical household spends more money to light their home than to run their refrigerator 24 hours a day. Replacing only the five light fixtures you use the most (or the light bulbs in these fixtures) can save you more than $60 per year* * Savings will vary based on electricity rates and typical use. This number is based on replacing the kitchen ceiling dome, living room table and floor lamps, bathroom vanity, and outdoor fixture. 3. Long Life The CFLs used in ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures last 6 to 10 times longer* than standard incandescent light bulbs - over four years under typical usage. This means they're perfect in areas that are hard to reach or used more often like ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and closets. You'll enjoy the convenience of less frequent bulb purchases and changes, while saving on electricity bills. *Based on a minimum CFL life of 6,000 hours (10,000 hours for pin-based CFLs) versus a 1,000-hour life of an incandescent. 4. High-Quality ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures and bulbs give off the same amount of light as incandescent or halogen lighting, while providing a true and natural color without the flicker, hum, or buzz. In addition, CFL technology has advanced dramatically in recent years to produce light that is warm and inviting. 5. Safety and Reliability All ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines for fire safety. CFLs are much cooler to the touch than incandescent or halogen bulbs. In fact, compared to incandescent lighting, ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lighting produces about 70 percent less heat. Each fixture model is tested and meets strict specifications for energy efficiency and quality, and carries a 2-year warranty. ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs carry a minimum of a 1-year warranty.