Don't Overdo It

Some of us get a little too involved in what we're doing and end up getting less bang for our green buck. After hitting the wall on some green projects, I have been aiming for savings in other areas. With great joy I discovered that Home Depot now sells the smaller 9-watt compact flourescent lamps for less than $1 each. I had been using the 13-watt lamps we get at Costco for about the same price. There are a number of places where the slightly dimmer lights (I can't tell the difference) are a better use of electricity.

While I was replacing a few of the 13-watters, I ran into 2 problems. First, the old lamps pooped out on me just from handling them and I had to toss them out. Oops, more bad stuff going to the landfill. So I left the other lamps alone until they actually burned out, which may not happen for years.

Second, while changing the bulbs, I took the time to adjust each light timer. You might say I obesessed about getting the timing just right, only to have it all undone by a short power outage. I learned it's better to get it close and not exact. Often, sunset to sunrise timing is just fine. Also, keep in mind some of those timers and photocells actually use additional electricity, so your savings may not always be what it seems. Let's hear it for the good 'ol light switch.