If anything, Stransky and his partners were well down the path of energy conservation and sustainable building techniques long before these issues became part of the national conversation. Because of that history, it does not at all surprise me that the architectural firm is taking these principles to the neighborhoods, where they will hopefully flourish.

What about those of us who don't happen to be the neighbors of people who work at GSBS? Forgo that afternoon coffee break next week and apply the savings to purchase of at least one CFL bulb. As investments go, it's a sure winner. As my days as a business reporter taught me, there are precious few of those.

Think of it as an Earth Day present to your Mother Earth. Over the long run, it will also be a kindness to your pocketbook. If you can't be motivated over the former, surely you can muster some enthusiasm for the latter.

Happy Earth Day!

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Marjorie Cortez, who needs to boost the use of CFL bulbs in her home, is a Deseret Morning News editorial writer. E-mail: marjorie@desnews.com.