Lightbulb Controversy

[pennypinch]

I didn't realize that there is so much debate over the use of fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs but there is. I just read a story on CnnMoney that was about exactly that.

Did you know that just this week the government has taken steps to eventually completely limit the use of incandescent bulbs and that in 2012 we are doing the same thing? I had no idea. I must be behind on my news lol.

The debate is over the fact that the flourescent bulbs contain mercury which is highly dangerous. Many people are too scared to use these bulbs because they fear that if one breaks, they are in danger.

According to what I read though, there is such a small amount of mercury in them that there should be no danger at all. They say that there is 100 times less mercury in these bulbs than there are in the old style thermometers.

The benefit of the flourescent bulbs is the very small amount of energy they require to work. They are much more energy efficient than the incandescent bulbs are.

You do need to be careful with them and dispose of them properly. You can take these bulbs to any Home Depot or Ikea for disposal for free, even if you didn't purchase them there.

[Empty Wallet]

The problem is though how many people in the US, will actually dispose of them correctly? I can see thousands of these bulbs just laying around at dumps with the mercury all over the ground. Scary but true.

[ClassyLady]

I replaced all mine with them that look like screws..LOL They are bright and seem to last longer. They say they are more efficient,, I will let you know in a month or two..LOL