Plug into better bulbs

If someone asks you for a cost-benefit analysis of changing normal light bulbs to energy-saving ones, just walk away. If they follow you and ask again, speak to them slowly and repeat this phrase: "There's less cost and loads of benefit."

Draw them a graph to show how just one 100w bulb replaced by a low energy equivalent (15 or 20w CFLs) will save half a tonne of CO2 in total. That's the benefit bit. It does this by using around 80% less electricity for the same amount of light which means you can save as much as £10 per bulb per year. And that's the less cost part.

Finish by saying it's a "complete no-brainer". Then run.

• Ikea probably has the best range and prices for low energy bulbs, and Tesco gives you good priced bulbs bundled with Clubcard points.
• The best energy saving lights come with Energy Saving Recommended ratings.
• GoGreenLights explains the CO2 and cash each bulb will save.
• And if you've been hearing light rumours, this'll set you straight.
• Banthebulb.org is there if you wake up in a bad mood and want to ban something.

More info from the Green Thing wiki >>

Here's a thing ... if every home in Britain changed just one bulb, we'd save enough CO2 to fill 1,200 Albert Halls. What about worldwide? Lighting sucks up 19% of the planet's total production of electricity. This belches out the same amount of CO2 as nearly three quarters of all the world's cars - so a lot.