CFLs and Mercury

Too many people are way too freaked out about the presence of mercury in CFL light bulbs. But if people are truly worried about mercury levels, using CFLs actually reduces the amount of mercury released into the environment through lighting.

How? In the process of energy production.

The TreeHugger article "If We all Do Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, the Mercury Will Drop" explains:

"At coal-fired plants (the biggest source currently of mercury emissions), 13.6 milligrams of mercury is emitted just to light up an incandescent bulb, while a CFL only would lead to (if incinerated, tossed out, or broken instead of recycled) 3.3 milligrams of mercury being emitted into the environment."

It continues, "The bottom line: The mercury in a CFL is approximately one-quarter the amount emitted if an incandescent was used in its place, and that's assuming the CFL isn't recycled."

So, drop the excuses and switch to energy-efficient bulbs. CFLs are better mercury-wise than incandescent. Still not good enough for you? Switch to LEDs. Whatever you do, don't choose inaction.