BLIGH: MAKE THE BIG SWITCH IN AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST BULB GIVEAWAY

The Bligh Government will give away one million energy-saving light bulbs to help Queenslanders save money and the environment.

Premier Anna Bligh launched The Big Light Switch campaign today, Australia’s biggest ever energy-saving light bulb giveaway.

“The lights are going out on energy hungry bulbs next month with a million free CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) being given away,” Ms Bligh said.

“The free bulbs will help Queenslanders make the ‘big switch’ to save them money and the environment.

“Changing a light bulb might sound like a small thing, but small things add up to make a big difference,” Ms Bligh said.

“Replacing just two incandescent bulbs with energy-saving ones means a $22 reduction in their electricity bill every year and a cut in greenhouse gas emissions of 144kgs.

“For a climate-conscious household, that’s a lots less CO2 into the atmosphere and a welcome cash saving.

“But if 1 million incandescent bulbs are replaced with energy-saving ones, Queenslanders will save a total of $11 million every year on their electricity bills and cut our greenhouse gas emissions by a massive 72,000 tonnes – that is almost the yearly emissions from all the households in Warwick!’

“And these bulbs last for around 10 years, so the benefits are 10-fold over time.

“Significant change doesn’t have to start ‘big’. Changing just two bulbs in your home will add up to a big difference so I urge Queenslanders - make The Big Light Switch and help save the planet!”

Ms Bligh said tackling climate change and reducing the State’s carbon footprint were an important part of her Q2 vision, which is focused on protecting Queensland’s lifestyle and environment.

“Queenslanders have it pretty good – a warm climate, beautiful beaches, parks, rivers, reefs and rainforests and stunning outback scenery – all of which support our relaxed lifestyle.

“This simple action - that everyone can do – will go a long way to protect this for our future generations,” she said.

The Big Light Switch giveaway is in conjunction with the Sunday Mail.

On Sunday, 9 November each Sunday Mail reader will receive a twin pack of energy-saving bulbs from participating newsagents.