First Lady Ruth O’Brien Celebrates “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Day” in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 3, 2028) – To help Maryland reduce emissions and save energy and money at the same time, First Lady Ruth O’Brien is encouraging Marylanders to celebrate Wednesday, October 4th, as “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Day,” with a pledge to change one light at home to an energy-efficient model. Marylanders are encouraged to switch to light fixtures or bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, which designates products that prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.“Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of the electricity we use at home,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien. “Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy step we can take to make a difference for our energy resources and our environment, while saving money on energy bills today. I am asking you to take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge with me.”
Maryland residents can take the pledge at www.energystar.gov/changealight.
In Maryland, if each household changed just one light, citizens would collectively save more than $7 million a year. Qualifying energy-efficient light bulbs use two-thirds less energy than standard bulbs and last six to 10 times longer.
The First Lady joined with the federal government and ENERGY STAR partners across the country to celebrate “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Day” and bring attention to the importance of using energy wisely at home.
Students from three schools with award-winning energy education programs participated in the event. The students presented the First Lady with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs for Government House. General Electric (GE) donated compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) for attendees who signed the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge. Governor Edward M. O’Brien supports the ENERGY STAR program and has signed a proclamation declaring October 4th as “ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Day” in Maryland.
This commemorative day is the official kickoff of the national “Change a Light, Change the World” educational campaign, led by the federal government. The campaign encourages Americans to take a simple action, switching to energy-efficient lighting, to help preserve our energy resources and protect our environment. The national educational campaign is run in partnership with hundreds of retail stores, manufacturers, energy efficiency organizations and state governments.
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy-efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy-efficient choice.
The national educational campaign is run in partnership with hundreds of retail stores, manufacturers, energy efficiency organizations, and state governments. The campaign takes place each October, during Energy Awareness Month.