Lee Congdon Realtor
 

Sedona Real Estate Newsletter for Today's Market
May 2008
  
         
 

Going Green Means Saving Money . . . and Saving Ourselves

The world is changing faster than we humans can even comprehend. Add to that the realization that the way we are living is fast becoming less satisfying and increasingly expensive, and what are we left with? The scary proposition that our planet needs to embark on a new survival path.

 

Human habits are hard to undo. There is always the temptation to avoid the issue, do nothing, and let someone else worry about it. But is that a rational alternative? Not really. The time to change our lifestyle is right now. We need to act with a determined mindset and embrace a bold new initiative, “Going Green.” 

“Going Green” is not just a slogan. It is a real-life challenge. At first glance its implication might seem overwhelming, but if you take the time to carefully examine what needs to be done, you will discover that it is a process that can be broken down into smaller, more easily assimilated actions.

Take, for example, the ubiquitous light bulb, the small incandescent device we depend upon to light up our lives. It is an item that not only projects a sense of reliability, but by its very shape feels reassuring; bulbous, round, spherical, an easy fit in our hand when we have to replace one.

Unfortunately, in today’s world of limited resources, incandescent light has become a costly environmental luxury. Replacing just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL (compact fluorescent light) in every home in America would save enough energy to light up 3,000,000 homes and, at the same time, prevent carbon dioxide emissions equal to what 800,000 automobiles would normally produce. Hard to believe, but it’s true. 

Granted it may take a little time getting use to the CFL’s initial cost (five times more than a regular incandescent bulb), but remember, it will last for seven years, ten times longer than an ordinary light bulb. For some people the spiral shape may also take some getting use to. A typical first reaction might be it belongs on a Christmas tree, but don’t be fooled. It uses 60% less energy than an incandescent bulb and can reduce your monthly electric bill by 12%.

If you want to start “Going Green” CFL’s are a great way to begin. The next time you need to buy a couple of extra light bulbs, change your mindset and purchase CFL’s. Then, each time one of your present bulbs burn out, replace it with a CFL. Not only will you be adapting to a healthy new habit, you will also find yourself feeling better about the world you live in.

Just imagine what would happen if every American home was able to replace the next 5 incandescent bulbs that burn out with 5 CFL bulbs. The savings would be $6.5 billion in electricity costs and the elimination of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to more than 8,000,000 cars. What better incentive is there than that?

Don’t think of it as just a light bulb. Think of it as a small step each of us can easily take, and a significant giant step for mankind. 

Call 928-300-5050 or E-mail me at Lee@LeeCongdon.com