Everyone knows that Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs are the way to go -

• They use 1/10th of the energy as a regular light-bulb
• They last 5 times as long as a regular light-bulb
• They reduce your total electricity cost
• They help cut down on your carbon emissions

However, did you know that CFLs contain small amounts of mercury? This metal can be very dangerous if inhaled or ingested. So, when your CFLs finally bite the dust be sure to contact your local recycling facility and ask them where you can take it. Our local fire-stations are where we take ours to be recycled.

Additionally, if you have one that happens to break (like if it drops onto a hard surface or floor) be sure to sweep up the mess and store in a zip lock plastic bag. Do not vacuum it up as the mercury will get up in the air and into your vacuum cleaner. The same folks that recycle the old non-broken ones should be able to help you with your broken ones as well.

Now… go out and get you some CFLs (if you haven’t done so already!)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 9:54 pm and is filed under Green Living Tips, Healthy Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.