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 In most circumstances, it’s simply a case of misperceptions and outdated reasons.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
Why is Sesame Street so effective at teaching young kids? Why did we spend hours doing math problems in the computer game Math Blaster? Because it’s FUN.
I returned just yesterday from the Behavior, Energy and Climate Change conference in Washington, DC, where I spent almost three days learning about strategies for teaching, engaging, and motivating people to change their behavior towards energy. Many topics were discussed, including the need to uncover and remove barriers, to build trust with people, and to create social norms around efficiency. All of those are important, if not critical, pieces to the puzzle. However I think many times as adults we overlook the idea that was a no-brainer to us as children. We like to have fun.
The Seven Dwarves understood it as they sang “Whistle While You Work.” Mary Poppins got it too, singing, “In ev’ry job that must be done/There is an element of fun/You find the fun and snap!/The job’s a game” in the song “A Spoonful of Sugar.” And just recently, a new initiative called The Fun Theory sponsored by Volkswagen has made this point as well. This video shows there is something to be said for fun. We can’t rely on only one strategy to work long-term, but as you develop efficiency campaigns, you may just be more successful if you build in some fun.
