We recently posted on some of the common misconceptions people have about CFLs. Since then, two other noteworthy myths have been sent my way that I wanted to address. Hopefully some former skeptics will now trade out their incandescent bulbs for CFLs!

Myth: CFLs will actually harm the environment because they use so much energy to make and ship.
Truth: The amount of energy required to manufacture, transport, and dispose of a CFL is about 4% of the bulb’s total energy use. Scientists found that it takes about 1-2kWh of energy to make and ship a CFL (even from China). However each CFL save at least 200kWh of energy over its lifetime.

Myth: Finding a recycler is hard.
Truth: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Check with your local waste management agency or visit earth911.org for disposal options. Also, many large retailers such as IKEA and Home Depot will accept used CFLs.

You may know people who are hesitant to switch to those new swirly light bulbs.  Why?  In most circumstances, it’s simply a case of misperceptions and outdated reasons.

Myth: CFLs produce a harsh blue light.
Truth: CFLs nowadays are engineered specifically for consumers expecting “soft white” light that mimics natural sunlight and the warm light of incandescent bulbs.  CFLs with a value of 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) have a warmer, yellower color; higher K values will emit a bluer or whiter light.  Energy Star rated CFLs will have their Kelvin value listed on the packaging.

Myth: CFLs flicker when they first light.
Truth: That happened in earlier CFLs with magnetic ballasts. New ones use electronic ballasts, which do not flicker.

Myth: CFLs need time to turn on.
Truth: Turn-on is now nearly instant. But most CFLs tested took about 30 seconds to reach 80 percent of their brightness.

Myth: CFLs can’t be dimmed or used in 3-way fixtures.
Truth: Early CFLs did not have dimming capabilities. The technology has evolved, however, to suit a number a lighting needs.  Look carefully at the packaging for those made specifically to work with dimmers or 3-way fixtures.

Myth: CFLs are expensive and won’t save money.
Truth: While CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs to purchase, their energy efficiency and longevity make up for the cost differential. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and can last up to 10 times longer, saving about $30 over the course of its lifetime.

Myth: CFLs are a major safety hazard because they contain mercury.
Truth: Yes, CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury; however they are not a major safety hazard.  If you break a CFL, use common sense to clean (open windows, clean up, and remove the debris).  Your exposure to mercury will be minimal – the equivalent of taking a tiny nibble of tuna, according to a staff scientist at Berkeley Lab

Recycling Old Electronics

The average American household spends $1,200 on new electronics each year.  Most Americans upgrade their cell phone every 14-18 months.  Americans will purchase 34.5 million new televisions this year.

The junk drawer, the guest room closet, and the attic are only temporary solutions for the ever-growing collection of old or broken gadgets.  Neither is the landfill an acceptable option.  About 1.9 million tons of e-waste, some of which leaches toxic substances into our soil and water, were put in a landfill in 2007. (planetgreen.discovery.com)  Old electronics, the ones being replaced, need a final resting place.

What are your options?  Well, we’ve looked at some options that will allow you to responsibly dispose of your old gadgets.   There are a few companies that will price out how much they’ll give you, pay for shipping, remove your personal information, and then retool, resell, and/or recycle your old device.  Try Gazelle.com, FlipSwap through Amazon.com, TechForward.com, or MyBoneYard.com.  If those options won’t work for you, try Earth911.com/electronics, MyGreenElectronics.org, or epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling, all of which will locate the nearest electronics recycling location based on your location.  However many donation sites may not remove your private data, so check into their policies before turning in your electronics.

As you clean out your collection of not-so-ancient technology, make environmentally wise purchasing decisions for the new gadgets.  Find out some strategies here.