There is a lot to discuss at the start of 2007. Lots of reasons for optimism.

• Issue 1: I have good news to report about compact fluorescent bulbs, or cfbs. I told you all about them probably five years ago or so. And it seems that people are buying these bulbs –but not at off the shelf levels. Not yet.

  The bulbs are an alternative to conventional lighting. They cost more than regular bulbs, but at four to five dollars each, not as much as they initially cost. They used to cost over ten dollars.

  But they last for years. And they are very energy efficient. So, you save money on bulb replacements and on energy costs. They are complete winners.

  Here’s the great news. A major, really major retailer has announced a new program to promote these bulbs in a very big way. I think this will have a tremendous impact on public acceptance and we will all be better off because a lot less energy will be wasted.

  The bulbs generate very little heat and produce a white light, not the yellow light associated with traditional bulbs. They take a second or so to ignite, but you become used to that quickly.

  I suggest that you start slowly. Pick up two or three bulbs and get used to them. You will love them and the earth will love you for doing this as well.

• Issue 2: Radon. I have told you about this deadly gas in the past. It is found all over the US. The odorless, invisible gas travels through cracks in home foundations. It also appears in drinking water and can be emitted through hot showers. It is responsible for more lung cancer than any other cause –accept cigarettes.

  This month is Radon Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. Hooray to Pennsylvania for doing such a smart thing. The purpose of the awareness program is remind everyone that this is a serious, potentially deadly threat that quietly lies underneath your home.

  Radon tests are cheap. And if you have radon, the problem can be perfectly corrected.

  What you ought not do, is to do nothing. Find our if you have radon. Go to a box store and pick up a test kit or hire a professional.

  And if you have a problem, fix it. This is truly a matter of life and death for you and your family members. Some parts of the country are more vulnerable than others - but everyone needs to know if they are at risk.

• Issue 3: Hybrid cars. The last gas price crisis really made people want to buy these cars. Some are more energy efficient than others, so you need to do your home work.

  Now that gas prices have eased, published reports indicate that not as many people are looking at hybrids. Not a good idea.

When its time to buy a new car, remember how vulnerable you felt when gas prices were over three dollars. Remember how there was talk of four dollars. Maybe even higher. Remember that some people had to avoid other purchases to fill up their cars. It felt terrible, right?

That will all happen again. Its just a question of when. If you remember how horrible that feeling was, you will continue to consider hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicles.

Let's get this right, for once and for all. Happy and healthy 2007 to all of you!

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.