Sexy CFLs
I {heart} compact fluorescent lightbulbs for their energy-saving, electric bill lowering, greenhouse gas-cutting capabilities and long lifespan. Anything that can cut energy usage — and by extension, my Georgia Power bill — is just the bees knees.
But that signature spiral design? It’s uglier than Flavor Flav the morning after a night of hard drinking.
Who cares when it᾿s hidden under a lamp shade or by a concealing light fixture? But to just have a spiral poking out from a fixture, exposed to the world? Well that really makes me rethink this whole reducing my carbon footprint thing.
Good news for me (and all of you other spiral CFL haters): sexy CLFs do exist. Check out Bright EffectsTM 2-pack of 16 watt lightbulbs. They’re what’s known as a “capsule” or “bullet” compact fluorescent bulb. The spiral is still there, but it’s hidden by an aesthetically-pleasing rounded bulb shape that looks like the lightbulbs we’re used to. It’s perfect for those fixtures with exposed ‘bulbetry.’
They’re about $12 at Lowes.com and produce the same number of lumens (light output) as a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Atlanta Light Bulbs online and in Tucker, Georgia also has a pretty good selection of bulbous-shaped CFLs.
Recycling and disposal
There is a downside, however. Compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. It’s generally not a problem unless it breaks. But that does mean you should not throw them in the garbage when they burn out.
Instead, you should take them to a drop-off / recycling center. In Atlanta, you can drop bulbs off (by appointment) at Atlanta Light Bulbs. You can also take them to the Ikea at Atlantic Station. Most Ikea locations offer CFL collections.
If you’re not in Atlanta, find drop-off spots in your area by searching the Earth 911 web site.
