CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and lighting your home is about 20 percent of your energy use. If every home in America replaced just one standard bulb with a CFL, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars. (see link)
CFL bulbs use a small amount of mercury. Since most mercury emissions occur from the production of electricity, using CFL’s actually results in LESS mercury being released.
There are many recycling programs for CFL’s, and more are being set up as the bulbs are becoming more standard.
A CFL in one of our.bathrooms had been in use for more than 2 years when I replaced it. It was still working, but the newer bulbs use better technology and have a better lighting effect.
