Credit: energystar.gov
Many HLS dorm residents recently made the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) at events sponsored by the Green Living Program. At the CFL swap events, residents of Gropius Complex, North Hall, the HLS Apartments, and Hastings enjoyed refreshments and socialized in their respective buildings while exchanging a grand total of 53 lightbulbs. Green Living Reps Sameer Birring, Amrit Dhir, Jenny Lee, and Stephanie Young hosted the events, answered questions, and provided information on how to dispose of broken or dead CFL bulbs.
The HLS Green Living Program distributes free CFL bulbs to dorm residents as part of Harvard's commitment to sustainability. CFLs are tiny twisted fluorescent bulbs that fit in the same sockets as regular bulbs. Although CFL bulbs cost slightly more up front, they save significant amounts of energy over their lifetimes as compared to incandescent bulbs while still giving the same amount of light. CFLs also last much longer than incandescents and generate less heat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy estimates that if each American household replaced just one bulb with a CFL, annually the country would save enough energy to light 300 million homes per year!
If you're a dorm resident interested in switching out your bulbs, but couldn't make the dorm swap event, you can still get a CFL! Just contact the Green Living Rep for your respective dorm.
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CFLs save significant amounts of energy over their lifetimes as compared to incandescent bulbs while still giving the same amount of light.
