Sometimes, making a difference can be as simple as changing a light bulb -- literally -- as in switching from an old, incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent light.
Though there are clearly far larger issues to tackle, from a global-warming standpoint, the Blue Planet Foundation is encouraging people to take that one simple step by offering free CFLs to every resident on Molokai.
An average family in Hawaii can save $80 to $240 a year in energy costs with CFLs, according to the Hawaii Energy Program. A CFL requires 75 percent less energy than ordinary bulbs and has a life span 10 times longer than a regular, incandescent bulb.
What you need to know is that CFLs shouldn't be thrown into the trash because they contain small traces of mercury that can leak if broken.
Retailers like Home Depot now accept used CFLs for recycling, while Lowe's is rolling out a program soon. Local retailers like City Mill and Hardware Hawaii, however, do not. Maui County is working on a recycling program for Molokai residents.
Molokai is ahead of the times, given that incandescent bulbs will be phased out across the U.S. starting in 2012 (as approved by Congress).
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