Global Warming...
another reason to do your part.

The world's leading climate scientists have said that global warming has begun, that it is very likely caused by humanity, and that it will be unstoppable for centuries. This very likely translates to a more than 90% certainty that global warming is caused by humanity's burning of fossil fuels. This is the strongest conclusion to date, making it nearly impossible to say that natural forces are to blame.

The report said that increases in hurricane and tropical cyclone strength since 1970 more likely than not can be attributed to man-made global warming. The scientists said that global warming's influence varies with storms in different parts of the world, but that the storms that strike the Americas are global warming-influenced.

The report projects rises of 7-23 inches in sea level by the end of the century. That could be augmented by an additional 4-8 inches if recent polar ice sheet melt continues.

- Scientific consensus from the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Where do we get our stats?

Claim: Incandescent bulbs use 4 times more energy than necessary to produce [light].

Substantiation: Based on the manufacturer’s rated wattages of light bulbs of equivalent brightness (100W on a standard incandescent light bulb, 25W on a CFL of equivalent brightness) 100W / 25W = 4.

Claim: Every year 106 billion pounds of preventable pollution is generated to power [incandescent] light bulbs.

Substantiation:
Based on Energy Information Administration data, emissions from power plants in 2005 were 2.5 billion metric tons. Source

2.5 billion metric tons * 2,200 lbs/metric ton = 5.5 trillion pounds of pollution

Based on Energy Information Administration data, “Net generation of electricity increased 2.1 percent from 2004 to 2005, reaching 4,055 billion kilowatthours Figure ES 1.” Source

5.5 trillion pounds of pollution / 4.055 trillion kilowatthours = 1.4 pounds of pollution / kilowatthour

Based on Energy Information Administration data, 101 billion kWh used for residential lighting in 2001. Source

101 billion kWh * 75% reduction by switching to CFLs = 75.8 billion kWh potential reduction

75.8 billion kWh * 1.4 pounds of pollution / kWh = 106 billion pounds of pollution preventable by switching incandescents to CFLs

Claim: “If every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, we’d save enough energy to light 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.”

Substantiation: Referenced from the Energy Star website.

Why Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

If every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, we'd save enough energy to light 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars. Why not switch your bulbs now?

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:

Use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.
Save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
Generate 70 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
In addition to other quality requirements, must turn on instantly, produce no sound, and fall within a warm color range or be otherwise labeled as providing cooler color tones.
Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.

Why Should You Buy CFLs from Greenlights?

Giving back is part of who we are and why we exist. Join us in making a difference by buying from a company dedicated to positively impacting our environment. find out more

Myths Busted...

Here are just a few myths about CFLs:

Myth #1 - CFLs take a long time to light.
It is true that CFLs can take from 1 to 5 minutes to come to fullillumination upon turning them on. ENERGY STAR® qualifed CFLs muststart within one second and reach 80% illumination within 3 minutes.Remember, these are minimum requirements and many CFLs are much fasterthan this.

Myth #2 - CFLs aren't as bright as incandescent bulbs.
CFLs produce more light per watt of energy consumed than incandescent bulbs. That's why they are described as energy efficient. Check out the comparison to incandescent wattage in our store.

Myth #3 - CFLs emit a cold, bluish light.
The typical incandescent bulb casts a yellowish light and is perceivedas "warm." Old-fashioned, linear fluorescent tubes cast more of abluish light which are seen as "cold" or "harsh." Todays CFLs emit light that is "warm" or "soft," similar to that of incandescents.

Myth #4 - They don't make CFLs in the type of bulb that I need.
The bulb selection seems to get better daily. We carry many shapes and sizes of CFLs for applications such as chandeliers, bulbs above bathroom mirrors, in wall sconces, table lamps and some outdoor uses. Some of our CFLs can be installed in circuits with dimmers and three-way sockets.

Myth #5 - CFLs cost too much.
CFLs cost much less to own and operate than incandescent bulbs. They use 3 to 4 times less electricity, and they last 6 to 10 times longer. Result: fewer bulb changes.

Myth #6 - They flicker .
CFLs provided by GreenLights do not flicker. You’ll find that lightfrom CFLs is so similar to regular light bulbs that most people won’teven notice that you’ve changed to CFLs until you point it out to them.

10% of our profits go directly to environmental causes.

If you are interested in having us support a specific group, please submit an application here .xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx