Change six lightbulbs and save on rocketing power bills this winter

Project Litefoot, the not for profit sustainability organisation led by New Zealand’s top sporting stars, is calling for people to switch their six most-used light bulbs to energy efficient versions this weekend to save on power bills over the winter.

Daylight saving ends on Saturday 2 April 2010 and longer, cooler nights will see power bills rocketing. This winter, the average household is likely to spend nearly $100 more on electricity for lighting than was spent during the summer months.

The six most-used bulbs in the average house account for approximately 80% of total lighting electricity. However, by switching to energy efficient versiosn, households can offset nearly two-thirds of the average $100 increase.

Director of Project Litefoot, Hamish Reid, says: “The good news is that because energy efficient bulbs last more than three years, households will save $96 over this period for each bulb changed.

“If every household in New Zealand changed their six most-used bulbs, it would equate to saving all the electricity Whangarei consumes in a year.”

Project Litefoot Ambassador Georgina Earl (nee Evers Swindell) says: “Design and technology advances for energy efficient bulbs in the last few years, now means that there is no difference in the look and lighting effect of energy efficient bulbs compared to traditional lightbulbs. Changing your lightbulbs is an easy thing that everyone can do.”

By visiting the Take Action page on www.projectlitefoot.org, people can not only identify what bulbs are needed but can immediately select and purchase, with a discount, the required lightbulbs online via The Warehouse. Or alternatively, they may print out a shopping list to take to any retailer.

Project Litefoot is a registered charitable trust that seeks to raise awareness and inspire action for a more sustainable New Zealand. It is led by the nation’s most prominent sports people including Georgina Earl (nee Evers-Swindell) and Caroline Meyer (nee Evers-Swindell), Conrad Smith, Michael Campbell, Barbara Kendall, Daniel Kereopa and Brendon McCullum. Each is undertaking a personal ‘Rapid Revolution’ of their lives that is resulting in them reducing their impact upon the environment. Their form can be tracked at www.projectlitefoot.org