COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS (CFLs)
BACKGROUND

What is a CFL?
A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is a type of fluorescent lamp designed to replace an incandescent bulb. CFLs are the most energy efficient lighting available in Canada. Like other energy-efficient products, high quality CFLs bear the Energy Star symbol, demonstrating to consumers they are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Energy Star-approved CFLs, such as those produced by Greenlite, must meet numerous requirements that include: using at least two-thirds less energy than standard incandescents while providing the same amount of light; lasting 10 times longer than incandescents; saving $30 or more in energy costs over a bulb’s lifetime; and generating less heat than incandescent bulbs.

CFLs Environmental and Economic Benefits
Regular incandescent bulbs waste energy: 90 percent of their energy is used to produce heat, not light. CFLs save energy and help lower electricity costs because they use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, thereby requiring only one-quarter of the energy consumed by incandescents. For example, a 13-watt CFL produces the same light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, saving about 45 watts each hour it is lit.

Estimates show that if every Canadian replaced just one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star CFL, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by about 400,000 tonnes each year ― the equivalent of taking 70,000 cars off the road each year.

The average Canadian home has about 30 light fixtures that consume about $200 in electricity costs each year. If just five incandescent bulbs using three hours of light each day were replaced with Energy Star-approved CFL light bulbs, a homeowner could save $30 each year.

CFLs help to save Canada’s environment in other ways too. Because Energy Star CFLs are required to last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, fewer bulbs and packaging are sent to landfill sites. And using less energy and fewer bulbs reduces emissions from power plants and helps protect the environment from the risk of global climate change.

CFLs and Mercury
CFLs are perfectly safe to use in Canadian homes. Each bulb contains a very small amount of mercury -- an average of three milligrams ― about the same amount it would take to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. The mercury dissipates when the bulb burns out, leaving no harmful toxins. There is no health risk if a bulb breaks because the amount of mercury is minute and in vapor form so it dissipates immediately leaving no harmful toxins. As Energy Star states, when a CFL breaks there is more harm from broken glass than mercury. Currently, using mercury in the manufacturing of the bulbs is necessary because there is no other substance that can replace the efficiency properties of mercury to produce fluorescent light. However, in recent years the mercury content has been drastically reduced and research is underway to develop bulbs that use even less mercury.

Safe Disposal of CFLs
Ideally, CFLs should be recycled. Many municipalities accept CFLs that are placed in plastic bags in the blue recycling box. However, regulations on proper disposal of CFLs differ by province. Canadians should check with their local municipalities to inquire about disposal programs and regulations in their area.

CFL Use Among Canadians
The use of CFLs among Canadians is widespread and growing. Government of Canada figures show more than 29 million CFLs were imported into Canada in 2006 ― an increase from 13 million in 2004.

According to a 2006 study for the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) 70 percent of Canadians have replaced at least one regular incandescent bulb with a CFL. Of these:
o 24 percent have replaced on average one to four bulbs
o 23 percent have replaced five to seven bulbs
o 28 percent have replaced eight to 12 bulbs
o 19 percent have replaced 13 or more bulbs

More Canadians will be making the switch to CFLs in years to come. In April 2007 Canada announced it would phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs by 2012. Several Canadian provinces have also made similar announcements.

CFL Use Around the World
Canada’s switchover to CFLs is part of a worldwide phenomenon. Australia made a similar announcement in February 2007 and Cuba was the first country to ban incandescent bulbs in 2005.