Fluorescent lights - why use them?

Using energy-efficient lighting makes good sense. Here are some reasons why using fluorescent and/or high-intensity discharge (HID) lights in your home and/or business is a smart choice.

• You will save money. Fluorescent lights last longer than incandescent lights, and they cost less because they consume half as much electricity. Over their lifetime, fluorescent lights will save you money because your energy bill will be reduced. For example, replacing one 1-watt bulb with a compact fluorescent of equivalent light intensity can save you as much as $50 over the lifetime of that compact fluorescent bulb.
• Less mercury is released into the environment. In Minnesota, 69% of our electricity is generated by coal-burning power plants. Since coal contains trace amounts of mercury, coal-burning power plants release mercury into the atmosphere. Approximately half the mercury discharges in Minnesota are from coal-burning power plants. Thus, by using less electricity we will release less mercury into the atmosphere.
• Other pollution emissions are also reduced. Because fluorescent and HID lights use 50% less electricity than incandescent lights, their use will reduce emissions of chemicals that can cause acid rain and global warming. Replacing a 150-watt bulb with a 28-watt compact fluorescent lamp will result in 1,020 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide being released from power plants over the lifetime of that fluorescent lamp.
• Fewer new power plants will be needed. Less energy demand means electric utilities need less new generating capacity. Utilities can avoid building new plants, which will result in more savings for customers and less future pollution of our environment.

For information on HHW management in Scott County call 952-496-8652, or try our 24-hour info line at 952-496-8787. To learn more about fluorescents, visit the MPCA at: www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/w-hhw4-30.pdf.

Remember: using fluorescent lamps in your home or office is a BRIGHT move!