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All About CFLs

  1. Why should I use CFLs?

    CFLs use less energy to do the same job as incandescent bulbs. Less energy means lower electricity bills for you and fewer carbon emissions for the environment. A simple switch to CFLs will save a household between $100 and $150 each year! Though the purchase price of CFLs is higher than that of incandescents, CFLs are really cheaper because they last longer and cost so much less to use. By switching the light bulbs in your home from incandescents, you will not only save money, but you will also help save the planet by decreasing an important source of global warming gasses.

  2. Where can I use CFLs?

    CFLs work in most traditional light sockets, indoors and outside. However, some sockets may require special CFLs, such as dimmer lights, 3-way light sockets, and outside lights. CFLs should not be used in outside areas that can be exposed to rain.

  3. Where can I buy CFLs?

    CFLs can be purchased anywhere you usually buy light bulbs. They can be found in all large and most small retailers. Prices can vary widely - so comparison shop.

  4. What are CFL equivalents to incandescent lights?

    Currently, most CFLs are labeled with their equivalent incandescent lighting wattage. In reality, the wattage of CFLs is about 75% lower because they give off much more light. For example, a "60-watt" CFL is really a 13-15 watt lightbulb.

  5. What about mercury in CFLs?

    CFLs contain small amounts of mercury inside the bulb. But don’t worry — the amount of mercury in CFLs is tiny (less than 5 mg), a small fraction of what is in an old-fashioned thermometer! No mercury is emitted when a CFL is in use. By using CFLs, you will also prevent mercury from being emitted into the atmosphere by coal-fired electric power plants. However, you should still dispose of CFLs properly.

    In Rhode Island, you can bring your CFLs to the Eco-Depot, a free drop-off at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s facility at the Central Landfill in Johnston. Since the bulbs last many years, collect bulbs in a box until you have enough to bother with. If possible put the used bulbs back in their original package. At the drop-off, trained personnel will unload the materials. You don’t even need to get out of your car!

    To book a drop off appointment call 942-1430 x241 or visit www.rirrc.org for collection dates at locations near you.

    More stores provide recycling facilities for CFLs. So also check with the store where you bought the CFLs.

  6. What should I do if a CFL breaks?

    In the rare event a CFL bulb breaks, follow these instructions:

    Pick up the broken pieces and if it is a hard surface (not rug) wipe up the area with a moist paper towel putting all the material in a plastic bag, which should be closed and put it in an outside garbage can.

    If it is on a carpet pick up what you can, put that material in a plastic bag and put it in an outside garbage can. Wait a few days before vacuuming. DO NOT VACUUM IMMEDIATELY — as it will spread any mercury around the room Keep children away from that area of the floor until it is vacuumed, dispose of the vacuum bag after vacuuming that area.

  7. What if I don't live in Providence?

    Project 20/20 has been installing light bulbs in neighborhoods across Rhode Island since the summer of 2008, and our East Bay partnerships have been critical in making this possible.

    If you do not live in Rhode Island: There are CFL distribution programs running in many regions across the United States and abroad. What makes Project 20/20 special is that we exchange every incandescent light bulb in your home that is not on a dimmer or three-way circuit, so you can see the difference on your energy bill immediately. However, please take note of the great work taking place elsewhere: