Costco Connection - October 2007

Two Free Days of Hertz NeverLost^®

Drive with confidence no matter where
you are with two free days of Hertz
NeverLost^® on your minimum three-day
rental. Mention this offer PC# 106282 and
your Hertz CDP# 336436 when reserving
your NeverLost-equipped vehicle. At
the time of rental present your Costco
membership card for identification. You’ll
enjoy your Costco member discount, too!

Book online at costco.com
or call Costco Travel toll free
at 1-877-849-2730.

Important Rental Information
Advance reservations are required. Blackout periods may apply. The
free day value is deducted from the NeverLost rental fee charged
and is redeemable at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada,
subject to NeverLost-equipped vehicle availability. This offer has no
cash value, may not be used with Tour Rates or Insurance Replacement
Rates and cannot be combined with any other certificate, voucher,
offer or promotion. Hertz age, driver, credit and rate qualifications
for the renting location apply and the car must be returned to that
location. Taxes, tax reimbursement, age differential charges, fees and
optional service charges, such as refueling, are not included and are
not subject to discount. Discount applies to time and mileage charges
only. Discounts in local currency on redemption. Offer valid for vehicle
pick-up on or before 4-30-08.
Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership
2% Reward Program. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Costco Travel
disclaims liability for inaccuracies or typographical errors. Costco
Travel is a registered seller of travel and travel agency in the following
states: Washington (WST 602042600); Ohio (8789302); Florida (Fla.
Seller of Travel Reg. No.ST32555); and California (CST 2054248-50).
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the
state of California. Nevada (Nevada Seller of Travel, Registration
No.2007-0060).
COUPON EXPIRES 4/30/08
PC# 106282
Hertz rents Fords and other fine cars. 07TR1301_B 8/07

AL GORE LOVES them. So does the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA). But if you’re still not sold on compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), you’re not alone. News stories about the use of unsafe materials in CFL production and confusion about how to recycle them have been enough to deter many people from trying these energy-efficient light bulbs.

Even if you have reservations about using them, there are good reasons to consider CFLs. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star–qualified CFL, the EPA says, we’d save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and would eliminate some 800,000 cars’ worth of greenhouse-gas emissions annually (see “Choosing the right CFL,” next page).

According to Department of Energy estimates, each bulb saves people at least $30 over its life compared to incandescent bulbs. CFLs save money in two ways: the overall cost of the light bulbs and the savings in energy they deliver.

CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs, somewhere between five and seven times more. But Energy Star–labeled Conserv-Energy CFLs, the type sold at Costco, last up to 13 times longer, so they’re a better value. And these extra-efficient CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs.

Since lighting accounts for nearly

20 percent of the average hom-eowner’s electric bill, these savings can really add up.

As to concerns about unsafe materials, manufacturers haven’t figured out how to make CFLs without using mercury. But, according to the EPA, one CFL contains 100 times less mercury than a single dental amalgam filling or a glass thermometer.

Conserv-Energy CFLs contain even lower amounts of mercury and other hazardous materials than other CFLs. Standard CFLs, for example, have an average of 5 milligrams (mg) of mercury. Conserv-Energy CFLs average 2. 5 mg to 3. 5 mg per bulb, depending on the model. Additionally, Conserv-Energy CFLs exceed the European Reduction of Hazardous Substances Directive and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards for mercury levels.

The good news is that CFLs don’t release these harmful materials unless they are accidentally broken. If you break a CFL, visit www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm# zflourescent for instructions on how to properly clean up.

Another common concern about CFLs is how to recycle them. The EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major retailers to expand disposal options. Local recycling programs are the best choice.—Will Fifield