You’re not still using those energy wasting old fashioned light bulbs are you? If so, then it’s time to change.

They are called compact fluorescent light bulbs and they use about 75% less energy AND last 10 times longer. You can find them at any store that sells light bulbs. There really is no excuse not to be using these lightbulbs. You will be using less energy and won’t have to change the light bulbs so often.

The estimated savings according to Energy Star is $30 or more during the lightbulb’s lifetime. It’s all benefits and no downside to using the CFL’s.

Pay attention to the box of the lightbulbs, so you buy the right kind. CFI’s don’t go by watts, they go by lumens, but the box will tell you the equivalent in watts.  For example, 800 lumens would be 60 watts. You may want a 100 watt equivalent for your ceiling lights but a 40 watt equivalent for lamps.

Count how many lightbulbs you need in your home and then get to the store. Change each and every one of your old fashioned lightbulbs to the energy saving CFL.

If you have any relatives who still use the old fashioned lightbulbs, CFL’s will be a practical and money saving Christmas gift. Be sure to tell them how much energy and money they will be saving by replacing their light bulbs.

If you get any gifts this Christmas in gift bags, save them! If the tag is written on, cut off the tag. Then, the next time you give a gift, reuse the bag. On a small piece of paper, write the To: and From:, then cut out a hole in the paper with a paper cutter. Then attach the paper to the gift bag handle.

For every gift bag you save and reuse, you save at least a dollar, sometimes, several dollars.