Out of all the different types of light bulbs available, not many bulbs come close in performance or efficiency to LEDs, except compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). There are thousands of articles on the internet comparing the two lamps and advising consumers to buy one or the other. You may be thinking, “Why is it even a question about what lamp I will pick up from the store? I know CFLs cost less than LEDs.” This is true, they do cost less initially, but we have a few reasons to steer consumers away from CFLs. Although the initial cost is less, the CFLs must be replaced after a few years, while LED lamps will need to be replaced every 10 years. We also do not support that CFLs contain mercury, a harmful substance necessary for CFLs to produce light. LEDs produce a brighter, whiter light than CFLs without using this dangerous substance.
There are approximately five milligrams of mercury contained in each CFL. According to ENERGY STAR, some companies have lowered their mercury content to 1.4 – 2.5 milligrams per lamp. However, it doesn’t make the lamps any less dangerous. Here’s a scary thought: The incandescent lamp will be phased out in the United States over the next few years. When people shop for new light bulbs, more will choose CFLs. When the CFLs reach the end of their lifespan, most people will toss them in their trash can instead of recycling them at a certified mercury disposal location. The CFL lamps are glass and will break during transport to a landfill or in the garbage truck. Garbage truck drivers and maintenance personnel will be exposed to mercury, along with the soil and water at the landfill. If one billion CFLs have been disposed of this year alone, consider how many will be disposed of in upcoming years and what that means for the environment’s future.
Even if we can’t make people stop buying compact fluorescent lamps, we hope they will dispose of them at facilities specializing in mercury disposal. Paying a little more upfront for LED lamps will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also save the environment.
For those using CFLs, here is an article about recycling them: 5 ways to dispose of old CFLs.
