MELVILLE, N.Y., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton announces its annual "Make the Switch" campaign in support of Earth Day 2011. "Make the Switch" encourages homeowners and businesses to evaluate their lighting control needs, and provides products and information to help make informed decisions about the small "switches" that can make a big difference in energy consumption and environmental impact.

The Leviton campaign supports the Earth Day 2011 theme of "A Billion Acts of Green®" –  inspiring and rewarding both everyday individual acts and larger organizational initiatives to further the goals of measurably reducing carbon emissions and creating sustainability.  As part of the "Make the Switch" campaign, Leviton is educating consumers with 10 Smart Tips for a Greener Home. The tips include:

• Dimming lights 25 percent cuts energy usage by 20 percent and extends a bulbs life four times longer
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps which use 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer
• Switch to Occupancy Sensors with automatic on/off functionality to reduce unnecessary electrical usage
• If using an incandescent dimmer, simply lowering the light level to 50 percent will reduce energy consumption by 40 percent

"As the leader in the electrical industry, Leviton is proud to recognize and support Earth Day 2011," said Michael Neary, Leviton Residential Lighting Controls product manager. "Leviton is a company dedicated to energy efficiency, which is why we strive to educate our customers and develop products and solutions that make it simple for them to cut their energy use while saving money in the process."

Leviton's "Make the Switch" campaign is supported by an expanding portfolio of sustainable solutions. Leviton's residential line of indoor and outdoor dimmers, electronic timer switches and occupancy sensors – many of which are Energy Star compliant – are designed to help conserve home energy use and reduce the associated energy costs without sacrificing style or ease of use. The Leviton CFL lampholder with GU24 base and the companion CFL lampholder with occupancy sensor are an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent fixtures.

To see all of Leviton's sustainable solutions as well as the complete list of 10 Smart Tips for a Greener Home with details on how these energy saving ideas can help reduce energy use and costs, visit www.leviton.com/green. Through April 25, Leviton Facebook fans can post their own energy saving tips to the company's wall at facebook.com/leviton. The post receiving the most "likes" will win $500 to use in the Leviton e-Store.

About Leviton

Leviton is a global leader in electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. A member of the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), Leviton was founded at the turn of the 20th century, and has grown to become a preeminent leader in the industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry. Nine out of ten buildings and homes throughout North America use products made by Leviton and builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton products #1 in brand preference. Leviton products are the smart choice for smart professionals. For more information, visit www.leviton.com.

SOURCE Leviton