How Many Links Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?

Apparently -- Two.
But in our defense, we changed all of them.

We made the switch to energy efficient, earth friendly,
CFL and LED light bulbs this past week. I'm feeling
great about it! I only wish we'd done it sooner.
Here's the skinny...

They use a fraction of the energy consumed by the old
bulbs. So, the environment benefits immensely. "If every
American home replaced their 5 most frequently used light
fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned
the Energy Star, we would save close to $8 billion each
year in energy costs, and together we would prevent the
greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10
million cars," according to http://www.energystar.gov/.
This small act would do great deal toward protecting our
environment from the risks of global climate change.

Energy efficient bulbs are a little more expensive, but
they last ten times longer and consume 25-35% less energy.
So, you still save money even with a higher initial cost.

We did every light in the house for under $100.
The energy efficient bulbs Costco sells are a great
value; however they only carry the ones with a spiral
shape. We placed those in all the spots that didn't show
the light bulb.


For the places that did (flood lights in the kitchen,
ceiling fan lights with clear glass around the bulb)
we went to Home Depot where we had to pay a little
more but could get the look we wanted.




There are two minor draw backs. One, we had trouble
finding bulbs that work on a dimmer. I actually haven't
seen them in a store yet (although they may be in one I
just haven't been to), but I was able to find them online.
I knew I'll be able to locate them eventually. Even still,
not being able to dim our lights would be a price worth
paying for the good this switch will do.

Two, the packaging from the bulbs at HD is not recyclable.
Kudos to Costco for having the foresight to order theirs in
recycle friendly packaging. Just something to think about
when you head out to buy.

Otherwise, yesterday was just a really cool day.
David turned in a $14 million bid for a Vegas style casino.
Cross your fingers that they get it! He also got to go drive
go-carts with clients. Not a bad Friday afternoon!

I had the honor and privilege of going to the Barack
Obama rally at ASU. He has been the only Presidential
Candidate who has agreed to pay us a visit. It was amazing
to have the opportunity to hear him speak. The energy both
on the stage and in the crowd was tangible! ASU student
government did an amazing job in organising the entire
event.




Photos courtesy of the East Valley Tribune online

I wrapped up the afternoon by chatting over coffee with
Lindsay and then coming home to hang out with D.

Couple pics for you in closing...

Spotted a large-winged lovely overhead the other day.
Thought it was a hawk but David pointed out the red head and
suggested it was probably a vulture. Still pretty cool though.
Look at that wing span!

And finally, here's a little insight into the mind of a
Labrador, from a couple weeks ago...






I hope you're all well.
And hey, if you decide to switch out some or all of your
light bulbs, let me know. I'd be thrilled to hear about it.