Most lights on the planet rely on electricity produced by coal-burning power plants. The mining of coal destroys mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes, and leaves gaping holes in Earth. Burning coal spews soot, greenhouse gasses, radioactive fly ash, and mercury into the atmosphere. The burning of coal for electricity is the chief cause of mercury poisoning in fish.

 

About half of the electricity in the U.S. and a third of its carbon dioxide pollution is produced by coal-burning power plants. Please reduce your use of electricity created by coal-burning power plants.

 

Using an compact fluorescent light instead of the typical 100-watt incandescent light bulb eliminates the burning of about 100 pounds of coal. Use LED lights, which use even less electricity than, and don’t contain the mercury found in compact fluorescent bulbs.

 

In addition to solar and wind energy, check into the emerging technology of solar hybrid lighting.

 

Always turn off lights not in use.

 

Wildlife, including migrating birds and nocturnal animals, need darkness at night. Please eliminate or greatly reduce exterior lighting.