Since starting our reports, I've been more concerned with my own "carbon footprint." How much energy and what natural resources do I use? Where can my family cut back? Can we reduce our pollution and garbage? Can we recycle more?

We have taken some steps in the right direction. My new Honda Civic doubles the gas mileage of my previous ride. Last night I started replacing the light bulbs in my house with new "Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)."

Here are some the facts from the US EPA - ENERGY STAR program:

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:
-Use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.
-Save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime
-Generate 70 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
-In addition to other quality requirements, must turn on instantly, produce no sound, and fall within a warm color range or be otherwise labeled as providing cooler color tones.
Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.

My wife and I are really pleased with the quality of the light the CFLs produce. I also like the idea that I won't have to run up and down the ladders as frequently to change burnt out bulbs.

These are just a few ways I am trying to do more than just talk about the issues. They are small steps as I am trying to "walk the walk."

And remember, our little contributions can really add up...

If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.