| Vol. 9 | No. 2 | Spring 2007 |
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Dialogue
How can compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) be "environmentally friendly" if they contain mercury? |
CFLs consume about 75 percent less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, and therefore can reduce energy demand—and harmful emissions—from power plants. If every American household replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that we would reduce global warming emissions equal to taking nearly 800,000 cars off the road. The lower energy demand of CFLs also translates into lower electricity costs for consumers.
One drawback to CFLs is that they use a small amount of mercury (about five milligrams) to generate light. However, this pales in comparison with the amount produced by the largest source of U.S. mercury emissions: the coal-burning power plants that produce 52 percent of our nation’s power. For example, the average existing coal-fired power plant emits 13.6 milligrams of mercury to power a typical incandescent bulb, but only 3.3 milligrams for a CFL. The reduction in mercury emissions achieved by burning less coal exceeds the five milligrams of mercury inside a CFL.
And unlike coal-fired power plants, which emit mercury directly into the atmosphere (where it most affects our health), the mercury in CFLs can be contained as long as you dispose of them properly. (All fluorescent bulbs are considered hazardous waste and should be handled according to local regulations.)
To learn more about energy-efficient lighting, visit the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov.
Also in this issue of Earthwise:
Close to Home
A Personal Climate Solution
