Talking About Green

Energy saving light bulbs are all the rage.  Going green seems to be the way to go. Everywhere from TV shows to promotions in stores, there is an obsession with energy conservation.   In the spirit of going green, manufacturers are promoting the latest that CFL and the LED bulbs have to offer.  Even many of those who are not concerned with energy conservation have the current technology in lighting.  With the purchase of one of these CFL or LED bulbs, consumers can save over $40 in electric during the light bulb’s lifetime.

The Green Hype and Promise

So, what is all the hype about these bulbs?  One of the key selling features is that a normal bulb can last for around 1500 hours; but an energy-efficient bulb can last up to 50,000-100,000 hours.  This is a key point for the manufacturer’s ad campaigns.  They paint a wonderful picture of saving energy and money — but do the manufacturers tell the people what they really need to hear?

CFL bulbs, or Compact Florescent Lights, are mini versions of the florescent lights that are used to light large spaces.  Unlike the older style of lights that flicker and hum, these new versions are hum-proof and do not have that annoying flicker; or at least that the eye can detect.

The Unknown CFL Secret

Sounds great, right?   Conversing energy and helping the environment are both positives but unfortunately there’s a large negative counteracting these two benefits: failure to properly dispose of a CFL bulb can poison your home and the environment.

CFL bulbs contain mercury and because these bulbs have this poisonous chemical in them, they must be disposed of properly.  That is often the part that is not conveyed in advertising these bulbs.  Even though families who buy these are saving money and energy, it can be a huge hassle to dispose of them properly.  Each of these CFL bulbs contains about five milligrams of mercury.  And, like any other glass bulb, they can break.  If a bulb breaks in someone’s home, then there is a risk of mercury poisoning.  If a CFL bulb breaks in the outside area, the environment is in danger.

Statistics show that only two percent of people dispose of these bulbs correctly.  That means there are a lot of bulbs going into the trash.  With all this mercury being just thrown away, it is harmful for our environment.  Many people truly do not know that the spent CFL light bulbs need to be disposed of in a specified manner.

Where to Get CFL Disposal Help

Most US cities and counties have a designated disposal place for CFLs but public awareness is the key.  Usually these facilities and their locations are not well known and the bulb ends up in the trash.  Here are a few general locations to properly dispose of these bulbs:

• Recycling Centers
• Hardware Stores
• Mail Back Services

In some states, if you do not properly dispose a CFL you may be breaking the law. In some states like California, Massachusetts and Minnesota prohibit disposal of CFL bulbs in landfills.  So, while these bulbs may be all the rage, the very thing that they are trying to accomplish by saving the environment may be causing harm.

Despite government efforts to spread the word it is up to the consumer to find out the facts and dispose of these bulbs correctly.

This guest post is brought to you by DIY Home Center, an online retailer specializing in Deckorators and FastenMaster home building products and accessories.