I read about the Sylvania Socket Survey which was conducted in Nov. 2009 and was astonished that they reported that 74% of surveyed Americans didn't know that Congress has imposed a ban on traditional incandescent light bulbs where beginning in 2012, the 100W bulb will become obsolete.

Eco-lighting or energy saving lights are important to Americans according to the survey and more than three-quarters of those surveyed had switched to more energy efficient lighting in 2009 when compared to only 62% in 2008.

According to the survey, CFL's or Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFLs are attractive to consumers although their price and mercury levels continue to concern consumers.

If you didn't know about the upcoming ban on traditional incandescent light bulbs, now you know. So begin changing your home lighting now rather than waiting till 2012.

And when you begin making the move to more efficient lighting, here are some facts to consider about CFLs:

• CFLs should be installed where air can circulate around them
• Hold CFLs by their plastic bases rather than by the glass when screwing them on to the socket
• More break-resistant CFLs are being introduced in the market to reduce the danger of releasing mercury when CFLs break
• CFLs must be recycled, not thrown in the garbage

Home Depot, Target and Kroger all sell eco-friendly lighting products. CFLs are expensive when compared to incandescent light bulbs but that's bound to change.

So get eco-efficient; install energy efficient lighting in your homes and offices. It's bound to save you more money in the long-run.