If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR compact florescent light bulb (CFLs), we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
- ENERGY STAR compact florescent light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
- Save about $40 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime.
- Produce about 75 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
CFLs are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.
Mercury is an essential element in the operation of fluorescent lighting; it allows the bulbs to be an efficient light source. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, it is important to educate yourself on proper use, recycling and disposal of these products.
The following links provide you with information on CFLs along with proper disposal instructions:
- Environmental Protection Agency - CFLs
- ENERGY STAR - CFLs
- Recycle a Bulb - Find Nearest Locations
Local Recycling Options:
- Memphis and Shelby County Hazardous Waste Facility
- Ace Hardware Stores
- Home Depot Stores
- Lowes Stores
Memphis, TN 38103