Do you have those new light bulbs in your home? Well, I guess they really aren’t “new” any longer, but there’s still quite a marketing buzz about them. I’m talking about the compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs).
These are better for the environment because they use less energy and are actually pretty bright. I was surprised to find out that they take a minute or so to “warm up” and reach their full brightness. Mine do, anyway. Not the greatest when you are flying into a dark room and flip the light switch expecting the room will be brightly lit in an instant. You’re bound to run into something like I did. The sacrifices I make for the environment!
Anyway, I was also surprised to find out that CFLs need to be recycled due to their mercury content. Now, if you don’t know anything about mercury, it’s not something you want to be exposed to.
Mercury damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys and other organs. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent brain damage and death. The CFL bulbs, when broken, can emit mercury liquid, vapor or both. The amount of mercury in one CFL is very small, but with everyone switching to these bulbs, there is a greater concern if all of these people aren’t recycling them.
There are quite a few things that contain mercury. Certain types of fish, batteries and explosives, to name a few (as a side note, I think it goes without saying that it’s probably a good idea to stay away from explosives…). The older style thermometers that you probably used as a kid when you were sick contain mercury. That silver line that you were praying raises high enough to make it ok for you to stay home from school? That’s liquid mercury (also called quicksilver).
I remember that I accidentally broke a thermometer when I was a kid and the mercury spilled out on the counter and beaded up. I thought it was the coolest thing that I could push these little balls of silver around and they would zoom across the counter. Then my mom came in and ruined the fun.
But back to the importance of recycling CFLs. Menards and IKEA stores have a program that allows you to bring in your old compact florescent light bulbs to their store for free, and they will properly dispose of them. Contact one of their stores for restrictions and additional information. The Environmental Protection Agency has a great website that gives information on CFLs and includes a link on where to recycle them.
In general, recycling is a good idea. Creating less waste is an even better idea!
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