We've been slowly switching every regular incandescent light bulb in our house to CFL as the regular bulbs burn out. I have even come across some great CFL bulbs at IKEA that actually have a round lamp instead of the traditional curls. This is especially nice when you're putting them in pendant downlights - when you don't want to see the funky curls. And they were no more expensive than the regular CFL you get everywhere else.

The other day I saw one advertised that I have to find - it's a yellow CFL BUG light for outdoor use. Now the only thing that would make it perfect would be if they would come out with a version that was round, since our back porch light - which draws monster bugs if left on is a downlight. I'll try out the curly one and let you know if it helps at least.

If your my age you'll remember this from the 70's energy "crisis" - (BTW - when did it stop being a crisis, only to become one again?) It's another habit we all need to get into these days. Turn off the lights in a room when you aren’t using them and reduce your direct lighting energy. How many times do you leave the lights on in a room if your going back later on - even if later on is a few hours later. That's why they put switches on them - so you can turn them on as you go in again!! The bugs or mice don't need to see what they're doing.

I read this online somewhere too - try going dark one night a week - no lights, no TV, no electric cooking. Barbeque dinner, dine by candlelight, and tell stories with your family - or play flash light tag with your kids outside.