18seconds.org

When it comes to greenhouse gases the conversation usually turns to cars and the whole automotive industry. But, what if I were to tell you that the average US home is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas production as the average car. Why is this? Electricity production. Over half of our electricity is from coal.

Now, we can call for energy companies to come up with and use cleaner methods to create our electricity. But, this leaves me wondering what we all can do as individuals. Enter 18seconds.org with something we can do.

This site is about using CFL bulbs to light our homes and businesses. CFL light bulbs are more energy efficient meaning that they take less power to produce the same amount of light. This not only helps by lowering greenhouse gases but it can save everyone a buck. Yep, less power used means less power you have to pay for.

There is a short video from the kickoff at Yahoo! which is partnered in this deal.

There is one thing to note with these bulbs. They do contain a small amount of mercury. So, they need to be taken to proper recycling facilities which will dispose of them without letting the mercury get out into nature. My first reaction to this was something good with something bad. But, then I read that, according to the EPA, coal burning is the largest contributor to mercury into nature.

I think this is a good step forward but one we have to do with thought and care. It's innovation I like to see and I hope grass movements like this do make better care of nature part of our everyday lives.

There is one thing that kind of bothered me through learning all of this. God created this planet and told us to care for it. So, where are Christians trying to do efforts like this and drive innovation in technology and ways to make it part of our lives? I don't often see it and it's sad because this should be part of Christian living. And, I think it would provide for good outreach opportunities.