When we make a change as dramatic as, say, switching over all the light bulbs in our house (or all the lighbulbs in... Europe), we're bound to come across some worriers in the process. While worrying about change may be natural, it is really not necessary in this case.
At this point we've pretty much figured out that CFLs are economical, environmentally astute, aesthetically pleasing, and all-around good progress. As their technology has improved, CFLs have become a warmer light source, and developed increasingly impressive dimming capabilities. So what's the worry? Ordinarily, people cite the presence of some mercury in all CFL lamps. There are two bits of good news on this front: first, mercury content has steadily declined in CFL bulbs. Second, safe, appropriate disposal and recycling of CFL bulbs is readily available.
After accounting for the price of the RecyclePak, you will still save money while relieving your conscience. Consider this: the RecyclePak can hold about 12 smaller CFLs (which figures out to about $1.58 per bulb), or 8 medium-sized CFLs (about $2.37 per bulb). An average CFL is estimated to save you between $5-7 over the course of its lifetime, through reduced energy costs and longer bulb-life. So if you figure in a couple bucks per bulb to mail them away in a RecyclePak, which you can store somewhere easy like the top shelf of a closet or in the back of the pantry, you're still saving money. Plus, you're doing good by Mother Earth and your grandkids.
So, what are we waiting for? We could sit here all day and talk about the relative benefits of increasing lighting efficiency standards vs. not, or whether Europe is more progressive or this and that; or we could do what we do in America, which is make change work.
To quote the American cinematic classic Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, "The dishes are done, dude." The problem is solved. Grab a RecyclePak, a bunch of CFLs, a couple dimmables, and get to it.
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