Why should I?

Energy efficient lightbulbs produce light from 75% less electricity than your standard bulbs and can last up 15 times longer. This makes them much better value in the long-term and technology has improved their brightness and reduced the price dramatically! Plus if everyone in the UK only used energy efficient bulbs we could cut over five million tones of carbon dioxide from our total emissions! This is helping prevent global warming and converting your bulbs is cheap, easy and would save you a massive chunk off your yearly energy bill. As a little extra incentive this money just might be spent on a nice Christmas present for you!

What do I have to do?

Switching to energy efficient bulbs is ridiculously simple, all it requires is a walk around the house, a quick whinge to your parents and once a bulb blows, a fun trip to the shops.

Preparation

Go round every room in your house and count how many bulbs there are, this includes lamps. You should also check what type of bulb they are (bayonet or screw cap) to avoid buying the wrong type – it will usually say on the side of the bulb.

Action

There’s not really much point going out to buy bulbs while your current ones still have some life left in them. When one of your bulbs blow, instead of just replacing it with the ordinary kind, ask your parents to go out and buy some energy efficient lightbulbs (also known as Compact Fluorescent Lamp or CFL). They’re generally found next to the ordinary lightbulbs and can be bought from all DIY shops and now even some larger supermarkets stock them. If you can’t get these you can also get Halogen bulbs that are nearly twice as efficient as your standard lightbulbs, although CFL are by far the most efficient.

Rinse and repeat

After installing the bulbs ask to see how much your energy bill is reduced – you’ll be surprised. You can also keep your eye on the electricity meter every few months and see how much less electricity your using. And the less electricity you use – the more money you’re saving! But remember to still use your initiative and turn off lights when they’re not in use!

Want more advice in how to be nature’s best friend in saving the environment? Check out MyAbodo’s other guides or start a project of your own!