Change to CFLs right away or when light bulbs die?

[mercy589]

Should I wait until our current light bulbs die to replace them with CFLs or do it now?

[blissful_maia]

I would do it now, because not only do they last a really long time, they also use 1/4 the electricity as a standard light bulb for the same amount of hours. HTH.

[askew]

Now.

[Best Feeling]

I struggle with this decision on so many things! Should I use the last of my toxic cleaning solution before switching to homemade or just throw it away? Should I finish up my face soap before using raw honey? What about my stockpile of tampons?

In the end, I mostly can't stand the thought of using something less than ideal, even if it means wasting the nasty stuff.

To answer your question (finally), we replaced our most used bulbs right away. For everything else, we're waiting until the standard lightbulbs die.

[*Jessica*]

I also have struggled with this. What I've finally figured out is that Freecycle is a great way to get rid of the things I don't want to continue to use but that still have a use. I actually have a box of unused light bulbs that I need to post on Freecycle soon.

[lightheart]

I replaced them in the bathroom, taking out the other bulbs saving the other ones to use in the lamp in the boys room and the living room. We only have 5 sockets for screw in lights though so even if I was to take them all out and put them up on a shelf for emergency when the CFL's do burn out I wouldn't be taking up a whole bunch of space.

The cleaning stuff really bothers me too, I have almost a GALLON of windex! beleive me I do not do windows that much! Maybe hubby was telling me something when he brought the jug home

(I'd keep the tampons, never know when someone visits and not your 'aunt' .... they may look at you way funny if you offer your keeper!)

[rgrindle]

Originally Posted by lightheart

(I'd keep the tampons, never know when someone visits and not your 'aunt' .... they may look at you way funny if you offer your keeper!)

:

I hadn't even thought about that yet! Between pg and bfing, I've only had one period since December of '04. I'm switching to mama cloth and the diva as soon as AF returns, but I've got a drawer full of extra supplies (several costco-sized boxes!?! ) I was taking the whole lot to my sister this weekend, but you make a good point for keeping a small stash JIK!

[Ravin]

You could probably take stuff like not-going-to-be-used cleaners, feminine hygeine products, and light bulbs to a homeless or women's shelter.

[jessjgh1]

Are these (CFL's) the ones with the mercury in them...
Frankly, that gave me pause... and I just heard something about how if they break the mercury is released and pretty much impossible to 'clean up' safely. Now, that was not from a 'great' source, but I do have to admit that when we got a bunch for free from the Energy Audit, I was thrilled till I read the package and it said 'mercury'.

Jessica

[hibana]

Originally Posted by jessjgh1

Are these (CFL's) the ones with the mercury in them...
Frankly, that gave me pause... and I just heard something about how if they break the mercury is released and pretty much impossible to 'clean up' safely. Now, that was not from a 'great' source, but I do have to admit that when we got a bunch for free from the Energy Audit, I was thrilled till I read the package and it said 'mercury'.

Jessica

About the mercury, it's really not something to panic over. I've been changing to cfls as the existing bulbs burn out.

[Momof3invancouver]

I recently changed to those. I think it's a better idea to just switch as soon as you can. Maybe you can give someone else the light bulbs you currently have or something?? Someone that isn't going green??

[Toolip]

I would definitely just switch as the others burned out. I think it is more of a waste to get rid of all your regular bulbs just to switch.

As far as the mercury, I'm not so worried about breaking a bulb in my house but I just read an article, by a group of scientists, who are very worried about all the CFL's in the landfills creating a major problem. They were saying that the didn't think CFL's were worth the energy savings for the risk that they will contaminate ground water and such. : They felt that LED technology would lead to a MUCH better alternative in the next few years.

Just make sure those CFL's go to a hazardous waste recycling facility!

[moderngal]

I would definitely just switch as the others burned out. I think it is more of a waste to get rid of all your regular bulbs just to switch

:

[DBZ]

One advantage to freecycling them is that someone who is financially challenged might snatch them up. I got a bunch of lightbulbs from someone making the switch. For me, it is a greener choice then driving to the store to buy a new light bulb for a $1 everytime one burns out. I don't waste light very much so I am not sure the electric bill difference would be all that much. I've also been reluctant to use bulbs that contain murcury and can't be disposed of easily.

[Conteuse]

The CFLs can cause migraines in people who are prone to them. Something about the rapid flicker can cause eye strain and migraine or tension headaches.

Between that and the potential environmental hazard (and the safety hazard when the CFLs break), I'm keeping my incandescent bulbs, thanks.

[Toolip]

Originally Posted by Conteuse

The CFLs can cause migraines in people who are prone to them. Something about the rapid flicker can cause eye strain and migraine or tension headaches.

I get migraines and I'm fine with CFL's, it's the regular florescent lights that really get me

Just thinking about those lights in elementary school can give me a headache :

[jocelyndale]

I replaced a few to see if they'd bother me. Turns out CFLs don't bother me as much as the long tubes do. I do better with CFLs that put out less harsh light--I think they have bulb coatings or something, along with a bulb enclosure over the tubes. I buy those at Ikea.

I then replaced all the easy-to-reach lights. I saved the still-good incandescents for a fixture we have on a dimmer switch. The harder to reach lights (inside a high fan globe) were changed when those bulbs blew.

This reminds me, I placed a CFL in a recessed fixture. I need to go replace it, because that type of CFL shouldn't be in a recessed fixture. Must do that tonight.