Compact Florescent bulbs and mercury

[RNMOM]

I have been trying to replace my standard bulbs but recently became aware of this fact. WTH? Which is safer for the environment now? Link below.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7431198

 

[Pooh67_68]

Even though fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, using them contributes less mercury to the environment than using regular incandescent bulbs. That's because they use less electricity — and coal-fired power plants are the biggest source of mercury emissions in the air.

"The compact fluorescent light bulb is a product people can use to positively influence the environment to… prevent mercury emissions as well as greenhouse gas emissions. And it's something that we can do now — and it's extremely important that we do do it," Reed says. "And the positive message is, if you recycle them, if you dispose of them properly, then they're doing a world of good."

 

[DawnCt1]

I think that they last a lot longer and give off a lot less heat. I have track lighting in my kitchen that take the large sized, 60W spot light type bulbs. They always gave off a lot of heat, which seemed counterproductive when running the AC. Last year I replaced them with the flourescent bulbs as the other ones died. They are a lot cheaper at the outset. I ended up buying a bunch from Costco with a huge rebate. I think I paid about $6 for 6 of them at the time, compared to $5 per bulb before. I also replaced all of the lights in the DSs rooms. They are terrible about turning off lights when they leave the room so this was a good solution...along with sending them back up stairs to turn off the lights. I would say that at least half of our bulbs are flourescent. I haven't had one burn out yet. And yes, I did notice a reduction in my light bill. I would rather spend electricity on things I feel I need; like AC. I hang my clothes out from spring until late fall. I plan all laundry days around the weather and I only use the dryer to get the dampness out and fluff and fold so I have less ironing. Towels go outside until they freeze.

 

[DawnCt1]

I should add, particularly with the spot type lights, that they do not illuminate immediately. They are very dim for the first 3 to 5 minutes and then they are as bright as other bulbs. You also cannot use a dimmer switch with them.