Health Talk Today

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)

Earth Day 2009

Earth Day is April 22, 2009. Earth Day is the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than one billion people every year. Earth Day is April 22nd, but there will be events and celebrations all thru the month of April.

I’ll be participating with LightsOut Ohio by turning off my lights for at least one hour on Earth Day. This event is organized by the Sierra Club’s Portage Trail Group. Workplaces, schools and households are invited to join us by switching off non-essential lights for at least one hour on Earth Day. It’s a simple step toward making daily energy saving choices.

Earth Day Network has all the info you need to get involved. They coordinate all the Earth Day events worldwide. Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle can have a significant impact on the environment.

Living Green.
Simple things that make difference:

  • Turn out lights that aren’t needed.
  • Turn off computers at night or when not being used for several hours.
  • Refuse plastic bags at the checkout.
  • Bring reusable bags with you to the store.
  • Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and glass.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
  • Turn off the water when brushing teeth.
  • Turn the heat down a few degrees.
  • Turn the air conditioner up a few degrees.
  • Do not use styrofoam cups, plates and containers.
Marilyn Kvasnok

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)

I finally bought a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs. They’re more expensive than incandescent bulbs – As much as 2-4 times as much. But, they last longer and use less electricity. So, they’re more efficient and better for the environment. I’m slowly replacing bulbs as they burn out. Before long, I’ll have an all CFL home.

According to EnergyStar, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 20% of a home’s electric bill is spent on lighting. Using CFL bulbs can reduce that by 75%. So, if your electric bill is $100, $20 is for lighting. Using CFL bulbs can reduce that to $5, saving $15 a month.

There’s only one problem with CFL bulbs. They contain a little mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict guidelines to follow if a CFL light bulb breaks. The danger lasts long after the cleanup procedure, so read and follow the instructions.

Because they contain mercury, compact fluorescent light bulbs need to be disposed of at a recycling center. Home Depot has a recycling program.

The Common Craft Show has a plain English video explanation of CFL bulbs.

Marilyn Kvasnok
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