City Newspaper Archives - 11/2007

ENVIRONMENT: Fluorescent lights save energy

Published on Nov 13, 2007
Regarding Laurie Kash's letter on fluorescent light bulbs: This is a good example of the kind of misinformation that can keep people from doing the right thing. Compact fluorescent light bulbs - CFL's - are a very important tool for reducing energy and associated global warming that everyone should be using.

While it is true that each bulb contains a very small amount of hazardous mercury, about 5 milligrams, that needs to be seen in comparison with the roughly 10 milligrams that are given off by coal-fired power plants for each incandescent bulb over its life. Since CFL's use approximately 25 percent as much power, they also contribute an additional 2.5 milligrams from coal-fired plants. But when you add it all up, that's 7.5 milligrams for the CFL versus 10 for the incandescent, a savings of 25 percent. That's in addition to a 75 percent savings in fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions.

Furthermore, if people dispose of these bulbs responsibly, there will be no problem at the landfill. The Monroe County Household Hazardous Waste facility accepts these bulbs, by appointment, at no charge. Call 753-7600 Option 3 for an appointment.

BOB SIEGEL, ROCHESTER

Siegel chairs the Rochester Sierra Club's Energy and Global Warming Committee.