Change a Light for Daylight Savings Time

Daylight saving time ends Nov. 2, which means more hours with the lights on. If you haven't made the switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs at home, now is a great time.

Lighting accounts for about 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. An Energy Star qualified CFL produces the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb, but uses about 75 percent less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer. Using a CFL bulb saves an average of $30 in electricity costs over its lifetime and will prevent the release of more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Because CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, they must be recycled to protect the environment. It is illegal to place fluorescent light bulbs in the trash. Easy and convenient recycling options are available to households for CFL bulbs. Home Depot, Menards, and Ikea stores offer free recycling of unbroken CFL bulbs.

Hennepin County also accepts all types of fluorescent, high intensity discharge, and neon bulbs free of charge (up to 25 light bulbs) from households at drop-off facilities located at 1400 W. 96th St., Bloomington, and 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park.

The above was reprinted with permission from Hennepin County.