So, where do we start? I’ve always been a fan of simplicity. One of the simplest things we can do is to switch our light bulbs from the typical incandescent bulb to the more efficient compact fluorescent bulb. I know the up-front costs will be a bit hard to swallow, but if you consider that a “green” bulb is about the same cost of a cup of joe these days…well, you get the point. We (Rick and I) bought our first green bulbs at our local Sams club. The cost was around $12-14 for an 8 pack. (I don’t remember the specifics at the moment.) That equals out to an average of less than $2 a bulb. A common suggestion is to “phase in” the green bulbs by first replacing the most frequently used lights in your home and go from there.

As with everything in life there are the pros and cons to consider. So let me throw some out there that I have come to know and if you have some to add, please let me know.

Let’s look first at what the “green” bulb is all about. One of the sites I”ve visited in my research is energystar.gov.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy existing to help us all save money and to protect the environment by using energy efficient products and practices. In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. The ENERGY STAR label is now on over 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

They have a great faq page that answers a lot of questions we need to be asking like what kind of savings, proper disposal of the green bulb, and how the green bulb is different. I want to point out just a couple of facts.

Economically and environmentally, this is a fantastic way to get on board “going green”. If every American home replaced just one standard (incandescent) bulb with a green (compact fluorescent) bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. That is staggering! A green bulb uses up to 75% less energy, lasts up to 10 times longer than a standard bulb, stays cooler and contrary to what you have probably heard, they have the same quality of light.

Green bulbs do “act” or “respond” differently than the standard bulb. Extreme temperatures can affect CFLs (commonly referred to as the green bulb on this site). Some CFLs can be used outside in temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, though when it is very cold they may take longer to reach full brightness. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the time it takes to become bright…but i look at it as rather a ‘cool’ thing. If it bothers you, by using an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, you are assured that it will turn on in less than a second, and reach at least 80% of full light output within 3 minutes. Also some manufacturers are beginning to offer the “instant on” CFL’s.

The biggest draw back I see in using the green bulbs is in their disposal. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury therefore the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for CFLs. According to the Energy Star website, “EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org to identify local recycling options. IKEA stores take back used CFLs, in addition to batteries and other toxic household items.” I would expect other retailers to come on board as time goes forward. If anyone knows of other retailers, let us know!

Apparently some states permit you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection. I have yet to research the states that do allow curbside disposal. If you know of a site that lists the states, please share it with us!

There are also particular guidelines that should be followed if you break a green bulb. It isn’t as easy as sweeping up and dumping in the kitchen trash can. Download this document for specifics.

So we have some changes to make in our lifestyles if we want to take seriously the call to become green. Personally, I have some reservations in regards to proper disposal (basically involving individual responsibility) but with our advancing technologies and the increased awareness of recycling, I feel sure solutions will present themselves in the near future.

I have one more thing I want to mention, rather important really. In the Energy Independence and Security Act 2007 that congress recently passed it calls for all federal buildings to use Energy Star® products or products designated under the Energy Department’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) by the end of Fiscal Year 2013. It also requires

“all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs). It’s not entirely correct to say “incandescents” will be “phased out” because the standards set by the bill are technology neutral and by 2012 the next generation of incandescent bulbs could satisfy the 30% increased efficiency. The law applies to the sale of bulbs, not the use of existing stock of bulbs.”

So there you have it. If anyone has other relevant information we need to consider, please by all means, drop a line. But please remember this site is not for political opinions (see About). There are many sites that exist for that very purpose, this is not one of them.

Here are some links that I think are worth your time to visit.
Energy Star Change A Light, Change The World

Energy Independence and Security Act 2007 Fact Sheet

EPA-”How Can I Reduce My Impact?”

State Mercury-Containing Bulb Recycling Programs

Until next time…change those light bulbs!

Tracie

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