Project Swirl FAQ

From crispyneurons

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Here are some questions and remarks I've received regarding this project:

[edit] Where can I buy CFL bulbs?

They are pretty easy to find these days. Chain hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry them. So does Wal-Mart; Grocery stores (Walgreens, Albersons, etc.) often sell them, pre-including a rebate from the local power company, so there are no forms to fill out. They typically cost $1 to $2 each.

[edit] I understand CFLs contain mercury, a hazardous chemical. Can these bulbs be disposed of safely?

Yes, they can be. This article provides a number of ways to do it. Also, Earth 911 has a CFL disposal site finder.

Keep in mind that coal power plants emit mercury directly into the environment. CFLs require only 1/4 the electricity of an incandescent bulb. So if you have coal-powered electricity (and you almost certainly do), the amount of mercury in each CFL is far less than the amount the power plant was emitting to power your old incandescent. Coal-burning power plants emit 50 tons of mercury every year, around 40 percent of the total mercury emissions in the United States. The bottom line: CFLs represent a net reduction in the amount of mercury.

Many people are surprised to learn that an incandescent bulb contains a hazardous material too: in this case, lead. Like mercury, lead is a toxic heavy metal. Incandescents contain lead at levels that exceed hazardous waste limits, and so they have special disposal requirements too.

And what about a broken CFL? This article covers what to do if a CFL breaks.

[edit] Aren't LED bulbs even better than CFLs? Do they count?

Yes--they definitely count! LEDs are even more efficient than CFLs, last even longer and contain no mercury. At this time, however, they are far more expensive (per equivalent brightness) than CFLs or incandescents. If you'd like to use them anyway, please do, and I will be happy to include you as a participant of the project.

[edit] Are there free CFL exchange programs or subsidized-priced CFLs?

Yes. If you live in San Diego, SDG&E holds light bulb swaps for up to 2 halogen lights, and 5 incandescent bulbs for their CFL equivalents for free. It is first-come first-serve as supplies last. Check their web site for schedule and location:

http://www.sdge.com/residential/turninEvents.shtml

If you aren't in San Diego, don't worry--this kind of program is common across the US and Canada. A little Googling should get you going.

[edit] Don't CFLs take time to get to full brightness after you've turned them on? And don't they flicker?

The older ones had these problems. Modern CFLs are instant-on and shouldn't flicker. Very cheap CFLs may still have these problems; caveat emptor.

[edit] Are there dimmable or 3-way CFL bulbs?

Yes. For example, GE makes this dimmable CFL:

http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=CONSUMERSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=89623

And here's a 3-way CFL:

http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=CONSUMERSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=24685

For residents of the San Francisco East Bay, I've gotten the report that Grocery Outlet in Berkeley sells dimmable CFLs for 4/$1 and the 99 cent store near Andronico's has them for 2/$1.

[edit] Shouldn't I hold off replacing my incandescent bulbs until they burn out?

Sure--but if none of them burn out before Monday, August 27th, 2007 (the first day of this year's Burning Man), you won't be able to participate in this project.

On the other hand, if you replace them now, you immediately begin to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of CFLs, and you may recycle the original bulbs if your community has such a program (and many do).

[edit] How long do CFL bulbs last?

They typically last ten times as long as incandescent bulbs, which means a lot less bulb replacing and bulb disposal.

[edit] I replaced bulbs earlier; does that count?

Yes. It means you were an environmental pioneer. It means you've already saved money and prevented more CO2 emissions than those who are just getting started. In this case, Project Swirl will recognize these important but unacknowledged efforts. Contact me with your name the number replaced and I'll add your participation to the project.