Climate change affects all

You probably have heard the Public Service Announcement listing all the wake up calls our planet Earth is sending us regarding the effects of climate change. The announcer gives a Web site for those wanting additional information. The organization running the PSA is Environmental Defense, a national nonprofit group. They feel that global climate change, especially the warming part, (http://www.environmental defense.org) is the most serious environmental challenge of our time. Most of its suggestions have been given many times before, but until we begin to get serious about our impact on the planet and take steps to alleviate this, the recommendations will continue. Though we call them light bulbs, traditional incandescent bulbs are actually small heaters that give off a little bit of light. These bulbs were technological wonders in 1880, but today they are inefficient dinosaurs. They waste energy and money and are responsible for millions of tons of global warming pollution. Fortunately, the next generation of bulbs is here: Compact fluorescent light bulbs now give off high-quality light using a fraction of the electricity. Using CFLs puts less strain on the electric grid and saves you money. If every household replaced just three 60-watt incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, we would reduce as much pollution as if we took 3.5 million cars off the roads! The design of the bulbs and quality of light have improved dramatically. Though CFL prices can be higher than traditional bulbs, CFL savings add up quickly. They lower your electric bill and last 20 times longer then old-fashioned bulbs. Start your compact fluorescent purchase with just one bulb to make sure that it throws the kind of light you want. Light from CFLs is different and better. CFLs use about a quarter of the wattage to produce the same light. To replace a traditional 60-watt bulb, buy a 15-watt CFL. Some CFLs have a larger bulb, so be sure to get the right size and shape. You can purchase these new bulbs for both indoor and outdoor use. To recycle burned-out CFLs contact the county office of solid waste management to find out about the options available to you. Should a bulb break, take these simple safety precautions for cleanup: First, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape. Carefully sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to pick up all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag.