Fluorescent Light Bulbs – The Impact.
Compact fluorescent bulbs almost took off in the early 1990’s but back then the bulbs were expensive, to large for most fixtures and the light they gave off was less than comforting. Needless to say, consumers stayed away.
Thankfully, that has all changed in the past 15 or so years. Today’s compact fluorescent bulbs are smaller, cheaper and use a lot less electricity than their previous versions. These are a relatively cheap and easy way to lower your electricity usage and subsequent carbon footprint.
So have you changed all your lights to use compact fluorescent bulbs? If you haven’t, here are some important reasons why you should:
- Compact fluorescent bulbs use rough 70% less electricity than a comparable incandescent light bulb.
- Consider that the average household has over 40 light bulbs, if replacing all of them with compact fluorescent bulbs, the household could save up to $180.00 a year in energy costs.
- Although initially more expensive, over the long run the compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times as long as an incandescent bulb which when combined with the energy savings, provides a cost payback in terms of months, not years.
- The environmental impact of simply replacing one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb will keep roughly half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb. Now consider if everyone in the United States used energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs in all their light fixtures, we could shut down almost 90 average sized coal burning power plant. Even better for the planet.
- Finally, these bulbs can be recycled. Yes, not something most folks even know but you can recycle fluorescent bulbs to help the planet even more. You can get more information regarding recycling these bulbs here: http://earth911.org/
One of the best deals I’ve found for compact fluorescent bulbs is the Globe Energy Saver Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb. This product comes in a 3-pack to get you started on replacing those bulbs that are used the most.
So the next time you turn on your lights and sit in the glow of the compact fluorescent bulb, you can do so proudly as you have taken another step in helping keep planet Earth cleaner for future generations.
Don’t forget; recycle those compact fluorescent bulbs when their usefulness is gone.
Prices and more information : Globe Energy Saver 26-Watt Mini Soft White Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb (100-Watt Incandescent Equivalent), 3-Pack
