Have You Changed a Bulb Today?
The primary purpose of this blog is to provide information on all sides of the global warming debate, but I will also provide other content as well. Many people are concerned about the impact that they are having on the environment. Perhaps they are interested in how to calculate their carbon footprint. (Note: This is not an endorsement of NativeEnergy.) And maybe they'd like to know what actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
I've heard a statistic in a couple of places and found it here. If every household in the U.S. would replace one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of 800,000 cars. CFLs use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Reminds me of that commercial with the guy who says, "It feels good to save the cash....er.....planet."
By the way, if you zip on over to the energystar.gov site, you can take an interesting quiz on energy star lighting. I got 8 out of 10 without reading all their supporting material first - go ahead and beat me.
Comments (6)
I tied, 8/10.. I don't know whether or not this is where this comment belongs, but I think you should do an entry on alternative fuel sources.
Posted by PDSpicer | November 5, 2006 9:45 AM
I have been using CF bulbs in most of my light fixtures for over 6 years now. I find some of the manufacturer claims of longevity to be innaccurate. I have only one bulb that has lasted for more than 18 months. That light gets used for perhaps 3 hours a month. On average the CF bulbs have lasted about twice as long as the much less expensive incandescent bulbs. Has anyone ever analyzed just how much energy is expended in the creation of the two types of bulbs? I am curious to see what the comparative energy expenses are in the manufacturing processes. If there is an initial energy deficit during manufacturing, how long would the life of the bulb really need to be before the deficit is erased. I also have concerns about the hazardous waste comparisons. All the flourcesent devices I have examined have Mercury warnings regarding their disposal. Insandescent bulbs do not have such a warning. If we quadruple the quantity of CF bulbs in use, how much more Mercury will be introduced into our waste system?
Just a few things to think about. We need to be careful when trying to introduce "simple" solutions to complex environmental system problems. JMB
Posted by JMB | November 5, 2006 10:06 PM
Yes saving energy is good but does the average person make a special trip to the bulb recycling location for these compact flouescents? My guess would be that 99% of these bulbs are headed for the trash and they contain Mercury.
So my question has always been what is the future of our garbage dumps and water supply if million and millions of these bulbs are thrown out over the next several decades?
Chris
Posted by Chris | November 6, 2006 8:17 AM
JMB and Chris, you make excellent points on recycling CFL bulbs. Thanks for bringing that up.
JMB, the ENERGYSTAR website says that CFL bulbs will have a shorter lifespan if they are in a fixture which is frequently turned off and on. Some bulbs are also not intended to be used in closed fixtures, which I would think would also shorten their lifespan. ENERGYSTAR bulbs are required to have at least a 2 year warranty, so keep your receipts and you should be able to get your money back if you have an early failure. You raise a good point about manufacturing costs, and I have been unable to find an answer.
Posted by Laura Hannon | November 6, 2006 11:40 AM
Equal to the emissions of 800,000 cars running over what period of time? You left that somewhat crucial piece of information out.
Posted by Eric | February 16, 2007 8:44 PM
All CFL bulbs as well as all fluorescent bulbs SHOULD be able to be recycled at all major retailers(Walmart,Lowes, Home Depot etc., IN A special recycle hazard waste contailer that collects the harmful MERCURY vapor before it has a chance to contaminate our planet.
We shoiuld also have all used batteries alkaline, Mercury, camcorder, Ipod, cellphone,and rechargable of any kind RECYCLED at these convient locations. A one stop trip drop off the old when you buy the new replacement. Result not in the landfill but back in the manufacturing chain.
Posted by Randy England | June 13, 2007 1:40 PM