Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

CFLs are all the rage right now.   

In fact, one out of every four bulbs sold these days is one of these strangely shaped bulbs!  But it's important to know the good and the bad when it come to compact fluorescent lighting.

Here's the good:  These bulbs use about 75% less energy than normal lightbulbs.  They can also last 10 times longer.  Those two things combined mean big money savings - roughly $30 over the life of each CFL. But you won't see that savings unless you use the bulbs properly.   CFLs should only be used in fixtures that are on for long periods of time, preferably more than 15 minutes at a time.  You will need a  specially designed CFL if you want to use the bulb with a dimmer.  If CFLs aren't used correctly, you will significantly diminish the life of the bulb, and your savings.

 

Here's the bad: These bulbs contain a small amount of mercury.  This means they are considered hazardous household waste.  Look for bulbs that contain the lowest amount of mercury.  A good guide is 2.7 milligrams or less.  Even this small amount of mercury can be dangerous if it leaks into the environment or worse yet in your home. be sure you dispose of the bulbs properly.  They should not be thrown in the trash and most curbside recycling programs won't accept CFLs.  Stores like Home Depot, IKEA and most ACE Hardware stores will recycle the bulbs.  Or you can take the bulbs to most full service recycling centers.  Use our Earth 911 link on the home page to find a recycler of CFLs near you.  If a CFL breaks in your home there are step by step guidelines for cleaning up the mercury on the EPA website.