The Skinny on CFLs
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filed under:
Green Living
Even though they have a pinch of mercury, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) reduces the overall mercury pollution in the nation.
In the spirit of our mercury work this week, I decided to do a little sleuthing regarding compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). It was my own little question and answer game.
- Do CFLs contain mercury? Yes, a bit.
- If I break a CFL in the house, what's the best way to clean up? Turns out there is EPA guidance on that very issue.
- Can I throw my old CLFs in the trash? No, they need to be taken to the hazardous waste disposal site near you. You can contact your county to find the disposal locations.
- Is it worth is? If even a bit of mercury is in these bulbs, how can I feel good about reducing toxics in my home? This is the clincher. A CFL bulb will last about 10 times longer than a regular light bulb. Think of how much energy you save by using a more efficient bulb longer. The big mercury polluters—besides a cement plant in Durkee, OR—are our coal-fired power plants. The less power we use, the less coal we need to burn and the less toxic mercury is spewed into the world.
It is worth it.
