CFLs are safe. The amount of mercury is very low and only represents a risk if you breathe in the dust from a shattered tube.A much bigger problem with CFLs is the heavy metals in the ballast that are tossed along with the bulb and can seep into groundwater. If at all possible do not use COMPACT fluorescent lights, just replace the fixture. Fluorescent lights in general are obsolete. If you can afford it, use LED lighting which is better in every conceivable way.
Q. Do I really have to unplug my TV, phone chargers, CD player ...?
Don't do this. Keeping the PSUs "warm" prolongs their life. Your devices WILL die faster if you do this and fill up the landfills.
Q. Peanut butter jar, bottle tops, etc.
Plastic recycling is a make work scam that wastes energy. Don't participate.
Q. Paper or Plastic?
Paper as long as you recycle them.
Q. Should I turn off the computer when I leave for the day?
Ask your IT department and do what they say.
How safe are CFLs? I have read a few things about them and understand that in one bulb there is less mercury than in our bodies. but what if you have 20 lights throughout the house. That ads up. Are there any other technologies on the horizon for light? Great article
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The Reader's Digest Version of<br>Going Green
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