Health Talk Today

Toxic Chemicals

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

What Does It Mean To Be Green?


Kermit the Frog used to sing “It isn’t easy being green.” But, he was singing from a very personal viewpoint. Today, everyone is talking about being green. But, what does it mean. Probably, different things to different people.

For every product you use around the house, there’s a green substitute. I’m finding products that work as well – or better – than my old Clorox, Pinesol and Tide. Every time I find a non-toxic cleaner, I take another step toward “living green.” I’m not only feeling better about doing the right thing for my family and the planet, I’m really feeling better! I didn’t even realize how those old cleaners were affecting me – itchy, stuffed up, sneezing and sometimes worse. And who knows what the long term effects will be? I’m no longer willing to be part of that test group.


Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett is a common sense approach to making these changes.

Sloan is a Today Show contributor, the Green Editor for KNTV in San Francisco, a wife and mother. When her young son was developing asthma, she found the cause to be the cleaners she was using. Watch the video below to hear Sloan’s story . . .

Marilyn Kvasnok

The Story of Stuff

Click to watch the movie

Stuff, stuff and more stuff.
Where does it all come from?
Where does it all go?

Watch the movie: The Story of Stuff

Now that you know The Story of Stuff . . .
What can you do?

Learn about a company concerned with Global Climate Change.

Use non-toxic, earth-friendly cleaning products.

Buy concentrated products that keep extra packaging out of landfills.

Marilyn Kvasnok

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