Los Angeles Giving Out Free CFLs

First, the EU banned incandescent light bulbs.  Now, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is distributing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to its 1.2 million households, citywide. Oh, and for free! What’s next?

As we all know, CFLs come with many energy-saving advantages compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. A CFL last 10-times longer when compared to an incandescent. Also, CFLs operate at lower temperatures, which can reduce air conditioning use. A big plus for a city like LA!

Go Into The Light, Carol Anne

The program projects a savings of up to 240 GWh of energy and 131,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year—the equivalent of taking approximately 24,000 cars off the road or enough energy to power 40,000 homes for a year. The savings will equate to about  $61.3 million in fuel costs for generating electricity.

LADWP sponsored teams will distribute the two free bulbs door-to-door over several months. Included with the two CFLs are other energy saving materials.

Nobody Walks In LA

Now, this part I have to say I have a major issue with. CFLs good. Driving bad!

Yes, CFLs are great. Sure, the light quality is a bit fugly and they kinda buzz a bit. But the reduction in energy use is major. Though, I admit I am a bigger fan of LED bulbs.

But why do LADWP reps need to drive to each resident to deliver the bulbs?

First off, Los Angeles is not really a car-friendly kinda city. California’s largest city, and spanning 500 square miles, it seems all the energy savings would be negated by that useless driving. Am I missing something?

Hey, LA! You know what already goes door to door daily - the postman!

Green With Envy

This initiative all falls under the recently announced GREEN LA.

“Today, the city of Los Angeles is leading again, bringing simple, effective energy-efficient tools door to door (for) every Angeleno. The Department of Water and Power is doing its part, and we want Angelenos to do theirs,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

To account for the fact that CFLs cannot be thrown in the trash due to the mercury they contain, disposal centers are being setup across the city. Info on them can be found at www.LACity.com.

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