It’s pretty frustrating when environmental activists are jumping on board the compact fluorescent bulb (CLF) wagon, and not realizing that we’re just putting off another polution problem. Sure, CLF bulbs use less electricity, but they contain MERCURY. LEDs do not. So, I think there should be a “green tax” that’s put on every bad bulb that is given towards research to improve LED bulbs that do NOT pollute, and use less electricity.
This is one of my issues: WHY are we encouraging buying the lesser of 2 evils? (just like politics – ha ha) The companies that are making and selling CLFs are making a fortune selling this toxic bulb, and have NO INCENTIVE to develop something safer and better.
I’ve been using a big expensive LED bulb over my art desk. I’m designing the artwork to go on our organic fairtrade reusable shopping bags. But the light from the LED is not sufficient alone, and I have to combine it with a fluorescent bulb. But at least I know that it’s TOXIC, and has to be disposed of properly (with other toxic waste).
So I propose that we all start writing to the manufacturers of CLFs and tell them that we want them to develop a bulb with NO mercury – and write to the environmental groups that are pushing these things as well. Use the power of the dollar (as small as it seems – it adds up – just like the mercury!)!