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CFL Light Bulbs

CFL light bulbs are actually compact fluorescent light bulbs, an excellent alternative to the standard incandescent bulb.  CFLs are much more energy efficient than incandescent and should be used as replacements every time you need a new bulb.

A typical incandescent bulb is good for about a thousand hours while a CFL light bulb will last about ten times that long.  CFLs also produce more light while using less energy making them more efficient, and since they operate at cooler temperatures less energy is wasted producing heat.

When shopping for CFLs keep in mind the difference in the way they are rated.  A 13 watt CFL is compatible to a 60 watt incandescent.  Until we all become accustomed to the differences most CFL packages have a comparison chart to help you determine the correct size.

CFL Light Bulb

So what could possibly be wrong with such a remarkable light bulb?  Well, they cost more to buy.  Of course you get that back many times over by reduced energy savings and not having to replace the bulb for years upon years.  The other supposed drawback is that they contain mercury.  Yes, mercury is a key ingredient in CFL bulbs and you all know us green folks don't like the idea of mercury winding up in our landfills.  Maybe we better take a closer look at these bulbs.

The short story is this, the positive environmental effects from the saved energy far outweigh the negative effects of the small amounts of mercury in each bulb.  If used properly there does not have to be any negative effects at all, none of the mercury should ever see a landfill.  If the bulbs are disposed of properly all the mercury is reused in new bulbs, causing no damage at all to the environment.

Another more technical way of saying this is to talk about it this way.  Only a very small amount of mercury is used in every CFL bulb and by not using one you are actually putting more mercury into the atmosphere than if you were to use one.  Burning the coal to produce the electricity to power your standard bulb emits more mercury into the air than the small amount put into each bulb.

But since there is mercury in these bulbs, please dispose of them properly.  Take them to a hazardous waste center or return them to the store where you bought them, but do not though them in the trash.

New research and development is making this picture look even better.  Bulbs made by a company called TCP are using just a fraction of the amount of mercury as the industry standards.  They have also made a container that doubles as a box for returning your used bulbs for recycling.

While mercury is a toxic chemical and should be taken to a hazardous waste facility, it is not all that dangerous to you is a bulb were to break on your floor.  As long as you don't get the stuff wet you will be just fine.  Sweep it up, put it in a plastic bag and take it to a hazardous waste station.

When you get down to the facts, there is no reason not to switch over to CFL light bulbs, you will be glad you did.

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