In the past, my sister and I have both done our homework in our separate rooms (which each contain 5 incandescent bulbs). The amount of energy these bulbs use a year is around 1,314 KWh. Downstairs, my family has installed 28 LED bulbs. These use a total of around 307 KWh per year and provide much more light. My sister and I, in order to save energy, are now both doing our homework down stairs and keeping our room lights off for all but an hour or so a day. Having your family all closer together and using one or two rooms’ lighting, is a small choice that makes a huge difference on your carbon foot print. Also, the use over bulbs with higher efficiency (such as LEDs) will further decrease your carbon foot print and require you to replace your bulbs less often.  For more information on of different bulb choices and their environmental effects, please visit: http://www.designrecycleinc.com/led%20comp%20chart.html

Hi Lauren! I really love this idea. I complete my homework in our main living area, where we have many windows so I don't need to turn on the lights until it gets dark around 6 or 7. This saves carbon outputs. However, my brother does his homework in his bedroom, which doesn't have as many windows and needs to have a light on the whole time. Maybe I'll discuss having him do his homework in our living room to save the amount of light used in my house!

Hi Lauren, I totally agree with you idea! It makes me notice that my family also wasting electricity while we stay in separate rooms at night and open every air conditioner in each room, which was really a waste on energy. In the past I only caring about closing lights when we not using it is one kind of saving energy. I didn't notice that when the lights were on, we also can find some way to save  energy. One way to reach this idea is spending more time with your family and friends together within one room. Maybe this could help with reducing pollute CO2.

I totally agree with what you did to save energy and reduce carbon. I used to leave the bathroom light on during the whole night while I sleep, which has two LED bulbs of 70w per night. Even though that's not much carbon using, but I think I should start out reducing carbon using by turn them off every night.

Hi Lauren, great observation for noticing this! I totally support you for this new changing. It also reminds me of my similar situation at home. Three rooms with turning-on air conditioners throughout the daytime. It will be much better if we share one air conditioner or just go out enjoying the fresh air. It will be even better if we stayed in the public library and enjoy the air conditioner freely without any waste at home. Anyway, the process of always searching for new ideas is really entertaining. Just do it!