A compact fluorescent lamp, or CFL, is a light bulb that uses at least 2/3 less energy than a
traditional incandescent bulb to provide the same amount of light. CFLs that have earned the
government’s ENERGY STAR label typically last up to 10 times longer and save $30 or more in energy costs over their lifetime. Thanks to tremendous increases in the number and variety of CFLs available today, you can now find CFLs most anywhere you currently shop for light bulbs.What kind of difference can one CFL make? Consider this: If every American home replaced just one of the light bulbs they use most with a CFL, together we’d save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for an entire year and more than $550 million in energy costs, while preventing greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars! Just imagine the difference we could make if we replaced all of the lights we use most!
When you buy a CFL anywhere in the United States this year, it will automatically be added to this site’s map. It’s that simple to become part of the solution to help slow global warming!
Lawrence Bender spoke recently before the US Mayors annual conference. I watched the session on C-Span in which he introduced this campaign to ask every family to buy and use just one CFL bulb. There will be a PR advertising campaign beginning February 22. We can get an early start if you wish. The quote above comes from their website.
…what about the mercury they contain? They can be recycled here but I have to drive somewhere not very close to home. I use them anyway but am conflicted.
There’s a one-page fact sheet on handling the mercury-containing CFLs from the EPA and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Also, EnergyStar.gov has a three-page sheet. Both mention calling your local recycling company for instructions. IKEA stores were said to accept bulbs for recycling. Mine is very distant, not much help there. In browsing several informational websites, I read that Phillips makes a CFL with less mercury.
I wasn’t aware of this problem until now, so thanks for posting.
What I worry is that the table lamp I use for reading will burn out the $3 or $3.50 CFL with the same regularity it does an incandescent lamp! They flash out as I turn on the lamp. Not sure where I might be able to put this question to get an answer.
This is one of issues that Congress should be working on…passing a law for instance that all states and government offices must switch over to these kinds of light bulbs..as a way for one thing to show the public they are serious when they talk about energy consumption. Set the example.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a president do a makeover on the WH to have it energy efficient/solar panels and so on. Of course Carter put solar panels on the WH roof way back when but Reagan in all his freaken wisdom had them taken out. It would be amazing to see a president having a special in prime time tv to show the public all the innovations and energy saving ideas that would make the WH into a real showpiece for all the incredible technology that is out there.
I bought some of those funny looking light bulbs about 4 years ago to put in all my light fixtures. It’s very nice not to have to be changing light bulbs all the time as they practically do last forever. The price on these light bulbs has come down very much also in the last few years.
How did I miss that Reagan undid Carter’s good idea!
Can’t you just imagine that Gore would have gone on television and done just such a special?
Thanks, too, for sharing your endorsement of the CFLs. The fact sheet showed how much less pollution is generated by them compared to normal bulbs.