Environmentally Friendly Products - Page 15

Jan in CA · 08-08-2008, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by figaro

I am learning that pools need more than just chlorine, I am taking a sample in to the local pool store tomorrow and they will let us know what we are doing wrong! Finally!

Oh okay, I've never had a pool. That's a good idea to take a sample in.

MoniDew · 09-19-2008, 05:38 PM

I bought several of the compact fluorescent light bulbs a while back. Supposed to last 7 times longer than regular light bulbs, use far less wattage, lower your power bills, etc.
I had one burn out the other day, in just about the same amount of time that a normal light bulb would have. Made me feel pretty ripped off. It's just the one, so far, but if I see any more burned out bulbs, I'm gonna be P'd.
By the way, I have also heard that these CF bulbs contain mercury, making disposal of them hazardous. Anyone else heard the same?
Is this a good way to be environmentally conscious or not?
________
Volcano Vaporizer

Jan in CA · 09-19-2008, 08:13 PM

Nothing is perfect all the time. I have to say though that mine have lasted a really long time so far. I have several and I don't think I've replace more than one and it's been many months.

Yeah, they do contain mercury and I wondered the same thing. I guess they can't be tossed in the trash when the go bad. I should look that up.. I'll be back if I find something.

debb · 09-19-2008, 08:23 PM

the most recent issue of consumer reports is a 'green' issue. they did address this, I'll see if there is a portion i can post when I get a chance.

Jan in CA · 09-19-2008, 09:20 PM

I just found an excellent article on CFL's! It also gives info one what to do with them.
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partner...et_Mercury.pdf

Here is some more info.
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/w...amps/index.htm

panchita · 09-20-2008, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by MoniDew

I
I have also heard that these CF bulbs contain mercury, making disposal of them hazardous. Anyone else heard the same?
Is this a good way to be environmentally conscious or not?

It is true. You can't throw them in the trash. You must take them to the hazardous waste/household toxics roundup. It's a pain in the patootie. If they break on the floor, you're supposed to evacuate the room, open windows, sweep with stiff cardboard into a zip bag, pick up the residue with duct tape (no brooms allowed) and put that into the zip bag, too. Mercury is toxic, so it's not to go into the landfill.

I wish this info were printed larger on the CFL packaging.

Plus, they're all made in China and shipped to the USA.

I have them in all my lamps and light fixtures.

Jan in CA · 09-20-2008, 06:40 AM

Fortunately it's a good thing they last a long time.

panchita · 09-20-2008, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jan in CA

Fortunately it's a good thing they last a long time.

I'm hoping that by the time most folks' bulbs are burning out there will be easy recycling available at grocery stores, hardware stores, etc.... everywhere... and people won't have to put them in the trash.

I did click on your link, Jan, and I do see the benefit to the environment because of less mercury contamination due to less coal powered electricity.

It's hard to have the mercury contamination possibly coming from one's home rather than being farther removed at an coal powered electric plant. I guess it makes us more aware of our impact on the environment... supposing one actually knows there is mercury in the bulbs.

sue in canada · 09-20-2008, 09:33 PM

If anyone lives near an Ikea, they have boxes for the return of the light bulbs, also batteries. I am in Canada but I assume that Ikea in USA would do the same.

On a side note, years ago we used to play with mercury in school in science class and it was great fun if a thermometer broke.

panchita · 09-21-2008, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by sue in canada

If anyone lives near an Ikea, they have boxes for the return of the light bulbs, also batteries. I am in Canada but I assume that Ikea in USA would do the same.

That is good to know. I'm over an hour from an IKEA, but it's still good info.

Originally Posted by sue in canada

On a side note, years ago we used to play with mercury in school in science class and it was great fun if a thermometer broke.

I played with it when I was a kid, too. My mom has a little vial of it in her jewelry box that her father had given her. I think it had been some kind of machine lubricant? It's very cool stuff. Too bad it's so toxic... lol.