I agree with you and your statement on spreading the word. I also recommend that this article be spread through article directory - http://geek.de and get it to more wider group of audience. Also you may well would like to see the Google Adsense sharing tips written by them on there site.
Let's do some math based upon the values given to us. If we assume that the 100 million bulb count is correct, the equation looks something like this:
100,000,000 bulbs X 0.000005 kg/bulb X 2.2 pounds/kg = 1,100 pounds
For those not familiar with converting milligrams (mg) to kilograms (kg), a milligram equals 10^-6 kilogram. Also, a kilogram weighs about 2.2 pounds, a unit with which most of us are probably more comfortable. Not having a disposal method for 1,100 pounds of mercury spread across the country hardly makes for a national crisis.
If the CFL adoption rate in the United States sits at a mere 6%, you divide 100 million by 0.06 to have a potential bulb saturation of 1.67 billion CFL bulbs. This turns your 1,100 pounds of mercury into about 18,000 pounds. This amount is probably not still too big of an issue, however, it is still woefully unrepresentative of the total. What are the quantities and mercury content of the other fluorescents already in widespread use? Almost every office building uses straight-tube fluorescents. Almost every street light is a fluorescent variation called mercury vapor. In truth, the mercury disposal “problem” pre-dates the CFL debate. It surprises me that recycling facilities are not already in place. The battery recyclers have been reclaiming heavy metals from batteries for years. Why are they not at the forefront of bulb recycling?
Regarding the paragraph about lightbulbrecycling.com (BTW, I thought you guys hated plastic too?), I would have to look at the numbers closely to see if their $120 service actually keeps one “ahead of the game”. The last time I purchased incandescent bulbs it cost $0.88 for four of them. That means that I can by 12 or more for the cost of one CFL, and those 12 should outlast the one regardless of usage. Energy wise the CFL is less expensive, but one would only see real savings in a fixture that operated almost continuously. Since most household lights only operate a few hours per day, it would be difficult to prove that the expense of the initial purchase and the end recycling costs outweigh the costs of operation.
For that matter, how does one begin to calculate the economic impact of the hassle in creating a brand new waste stream just to deal with the death of a CFL bulb? If recycled in consumer quantities, you could potentially expel more than carbon and use more energy than you saved using the bulbs by driving your car to the recycling center and putting it on a FedEx truck/plane. If done by your garbage service, your savings could be cancelled out by the fuel-hungry truck they designate to pick up your spent lighting; not to mention the added cost of the service. I know that I am speculating here, but we generally do a poor job accounting for all the costs associated with any given program. We say, “The CFL bulbs use less energy, lower my utility bills, and everyone says that they will stop global warming. I must buy only this type of lighting.” We should be asking, “What are the total costs associated with saving a few dollars on my utility bill by using these CFL bulbs? Who provides a recycling service and how much do they charge? How much will it cost to get the spent bulbs to the recycler? Will they be transported in a hybrid or a big diesel truck, or maybe a jet airplane? Will those trucks and planes negate my efforts to stop global warming? What happens to all that mercury after it gets accumulated at one location? Will I be contributing to the creation of another Superfund clean-up site? Why are the big lighting industries spending all this advertising money to convince me to buy this one type of bulb and none of the others that they make?” Lastly, I will concede that CFL’s look like a good alternative at this time, but didn’t we get here as a result of living in the moment without having regard for the long-term consequences?
It also comes down to convenience. People want curbside service or an easy, memorable way to drop off the bulbs while doing something like shopping at the local grocery store.
If waste haulers are already using fuel/energy and puking out carbon into the air while on their routes, should a special section of the trucks be dedicated to picking up these bulbs?
Or can we put kids to work and have them collect used bulbs once a month and bring them to school in a safe manner so they can be transported in bulk to appropriate disposal sites?
Maybe offer them prizes for being do-gooders?
I don't know if it would be appropriate to enlist school children for CFL recycling programs. I feel it's bad enough that they are forced to hawk items that don't sell elsewhere to raise money for the schools. CFL recycling is not as benign as the various "box tops" programs out there. A cardboard box top does not present the hazards of a glass bulb containing a substance with properties per the following Material Safety Data Sheets:
http://www.bethlehemapparatus.co...com/
Hg_MSDS.pdf
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/engl...hhtml/
M1599.htm
I also do not know if the average do-gooder child is willing to risk mercury exposure for the same valueless prize they can get selling cookies.
Nice writeup, Jeff.
My only problem is I hate CFLs. I hate the light and I hate that they don't last -- I went through several packs from Costco in no time. They burned out much faster than conventional bulbs. Not sure if that was due to my home's wiring, the type of bulbs or what. I also can't stand the delay when you flip on the lights.
The real question (I asked in a post last night) is where are the LED choices??
http://www.movinglikewater.com/?p=40
I work with an engineer who has recently resigned from a big lighting company. He says that flourescent bulbs may be "hot" right now, but that the research money is being dumped into LED's. He says that at this time there are two major problems with LED's. Problem one is realizing adequate light output for a given wattage. Problem two is how to get repeat business when the darn things last nearly a lifetime.
I have to agree with Bobbie B about the end recycling costs and its effect on our environment. I also think it is irresponsible for Walmart, Home Depot, etc to push these light bulbs without providing for a collection center for recycling. However, note that Walmart did do a test recyling day at only a few stores this year.
I keep asking their sustainable PR person as to the results and what Walmart is planning on doing about this. Apparently, they did not receive alot of CFLs but did receive office bulbs. Hey, I think that is great. As to their next move, I was told, "we are looking into this."
I do agree with your article about contacting the "big boys" about recycling CFL as well as large lamps used in offices. Don't expect to reach them but do expect to be funneled to customer service or their PR division.
I know. I called all of their sustainable VPs this year, and only the VP from Lowes called me back! (I tried alot of times too.) However, if many of us call and get redirected, maybe they will get the message. Perhaps someone will get through to talk to them.
As for children handling CFLs, I don't think that is a great idea. They are too hazardous with their glass and mercury content.
Recycling has to be made easier; otherwise people will not do it. Good post. I posted an article on my website warning about the lack of recycling of CFLs in April.
I am glad Jeff, that you and others continue to make people aware of this issue. Two good minds think alike.
Always a pleasure reading your posts. anna www.green-talk.com
Very well written article its a pity I couldn't say the same for these guys/ladies
One of my favourite pastimes at lunchtime at work is browsing the various blog sites. I have found numerous well written articles of interest.
Today I was searching wordpress for ''environment'' and came across this site
http://handsacrossoceanministry.....wordpress.com/
My first reaction was shock, disbelief and anger. How can so called religious people not care about the environment and then have the audacity to use God in their justification of their beliefs.
These people need locking away.
Raincloud,
Your referenced religious group is no more extreme than the eco-terrorism wing of the environmental movement. It has been proven that PETA, The Sierra Club, The Environmental Defense Fund, etc. have funneled monies to extremist groups such as the Animal Liberation Front, the Earth Liberation Front, Earth First, etc. These groups tend to do a bit more than say mean things, which you apparently consider worthy of being locked away. Here is a short syopsis:
http://www.fbi.gov/congress/
cong...arboe021202.htm
You would be naive to believe that extremists don't exist on both sides of any given argument. Generally, these are the guys that get the press coverage.
You also said, "How can so called religious people not care about the environment and then have the audacity to use God in their justification of their beliefs." You're probably right if we limit the discussion to fringe religious organizations like you referenced. However, I have a big problem with the envangelical environmentalism that is gaining ground in the mainstream churches, because it goes beyond the call for good stewardship of the creation and jumps into activism and coerced Gaiaism. Gaiaism - or earth worship - flys in the face of any faith that believes there is only one god.
Hi there!
Oh, great ideas.
You'd probably like to take in DiCaprio's 11th hour - if you haven't already.
Check out my own blog action project...with animated clips, award-winning short documentaries, and music videos.
Enjoy!
Julian
www.ijulian.blogspot.com
Great points & informative. Thanks!
Posted by Christopher Bassoo, Canada
I wanted to thank you for the informative and enjoyable read. I have been sitting here with my coffee and laptop enjoying a Bassoo family evening. Again many thanks, warmest of regards Chris Bassoo, Toronto, Canada
CFLs are still one of the best alternatives to conventional incandescent lightbulbs. However, LED technology is growing rapidly and would not be a bad idea to begin looking into LED fixtures for a remodel or design. Although a bit harder to find and often more expensive, LEDs last longer than even CFLs and use much less wattage.
- Brendan
www.eco-homedesign.com
Great idea! I will begin saving my bulbs until I figure out a way they can be recycled. They last so long that you rarely ever have to change them in the first place. I just changed every bulb in my house to CFL's. It cut down my energy bill by 23%!
Hey! Your blog is great, I think it's so cool that you're putting something fresh out there. Check out this great opportunity I just found out about- the BR!CK Awards- at www.brickawards.com and help me pass on the word!
Great article. I like your blog alot!
Let's find simple ways to fix things. I'm Canadian but recently transplanted to the UK and I can't believe how far ahead they are here. The light bulb switch is lagging here as well and I can't quite figure this out either. It seems to be one of the simplest and most effective ways of saving energy...and money on your bill!
thank u sir
Thanks for the info - I knew about the mercury, but hadn't learned how to recycle them since none of mine have reached the end of their lifespan!
Isn't that typical for distributors to sell a product but be hesitant in taking them back. We need a cradle to cradle product cycle mentality in this country.
so intresting enjoying the read!
thanks
www.sharkzone.co.za lauren me
32423
There is a BIG LIE here. Sigmund Freud proves it.
Wine proves it. Democracy proves it. Materialism/greed proves it.
They continued to sell boss even after they forced failure, another example of a BIG LIE.
Resign to be good.
Too many of these Southern rednecks are like disfavored blacks involved in black popular culture. They are merely benefactors of the god's Manifest Destiny positioning. Expect some compensatory elements to be due, rendering the long-term prognosis for the blacks potentially better.
The gods offered the story of Eve tempting Adam FOR A REASON!!! THE FEMALES ARE THE KEEPERS OF THE PEOPLE::::AS THE WOMEN GO SO GO ALL THE PEOPLE!!
Honor the gods for the modern convieniences they gave you. Too many take this easy life for granted.
Population explosion is a clue the gods are reincarnating the masses:::EVERYONE IS GOING THE WRONG WAY!!!
They say DVR is good, was trying to help me by sending this clue. Reality is there was a massive audience and making the recorder go down for 2 weeks allowed the gods to justify dispatching these people.
Efforts to "save my candidacy" were actually attempts to keep people from learning during this event:::"Don't listen to him." Now that failure has been positioned as emminent:::"Don't listen. He's not The One."
Role playing during the fall of '06.
This is recurring behavior, tactics employed so the disfavored are not receptive during the Final Prophet. And it worked.
Everything Dis_ney produces is evil. In the 20th century it was more difficult to perceive but, consistant with the god's methodology, now that we are progressing deeper into the 21st century it is becoming increasingly obvious:::
- The new Dis_ney movie with wicked/wicked imagry.
- All this Dis_ney-based promotion of music on Dis_neyChannel is grooming the victims of the 2010-2020 revelry cycle.
Recently there have been many racial incidents involving nooses throughout the country.
They should be afraid:::The gods are employing an offensive. They are trying to incite the blacks.
Like a US flag flying in front of a structure, like tatooes and piercings, the cornrows hairdo is a clue warning the disfavored to stay away.
Story about prostitution. They like to point to me and claim I engaged in this behavior as well. They spin it and say "empathy for fellowed disfavored" but there were other goals they sought to accomplish here.
They pushed me into it out of the clear blue sky. They me ployed this strategy because it was 1999 and promises were made that I would be brought up before 2000 to grease the wheels of the Situation. Pushing me into this behavior ensured they could position my exclusion.
Engaging in this behavior had never crossed my mind prior to this event nor after.
I'm insluted.
Vienna was the center of the music world for a reason.
Any middle age person today remembers the excitement surrounding classical music in the mid-20t
Thanks for the tips and the info!
The blog entry talked about how to store intact bulbs. But one of my new bulbs broke on the way home from the store. What am I supposed to do with it? it remains in the plastic clamshell in a closet.
I all for green company fleet.
Throw the broken bulb in the trash before your dog eats it.
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Do some research and look into the Canadian studies revolving around Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) and their emission of extremely dangerous ultraviolet radiation. This is something everyone should be aware of. Look it up, then SAFELY recycle your used CFLs through Home Depot. DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY, they contain mercury, which is hazardous to the environment and human water supplies. EVERYONE PLEASE BEWARE!!!!
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luxury watch Story about prostitution. They like to point to me and claim I engaged in this behavior as well. They spin it and say "empathy for fellowed disfavored" but there were other goals they sought to accomplish here
good blog
Cheers,
Melayu Boleh
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