Saving the earth, one CFL at a time
June 27, 2008
We’ve all heard that if we want to save the planet, and perhaps a bit of money on our electricity bills, compact fluorescent light bulbs are the way to go.
The problem is that the swirly bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, and recycling options haven’t exactly been accessible. So, when CFLs land in the trash heap, we’re possibly doing more damage to the Earth than we were back when using incandescent bulbs was in vogue.
People who wanted to dispose of used CFLs in an Earth-friendly way once had to live near an Ikea or True Value, where they have recycling programs, or buy special kits to mail them back to manufacturers — but not anymore.
This week, Home Depot announced it would accept all unbroken CFLs at its retail locations for recycling, allowing tree huggers and carpenters alike to dispose of CFLs properly, and just a little closer to home. The company estimates that 75 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Home Depot.
According to The New York Times, Ron Jarvis, Home Depot’s senior vice president for environmental innovation, said the company is just “trying to do the right thing.”
Home Depot also stands to bring in some heavy foot traffic if people latch onto the idea.
I guess the question is what’s worse for the environment, burning a gallon of gas on that round trip to the Home Depot or throwing out your bulbs with the rest of the garbage?
DANIELLE ULMAN, Business Writer
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