Growing Greener
We have been replacing our incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents lamps (cfl) both in our home and at the school. In the beginning we were only replacing bulbs when the old ones burned out. Now we have added a new tactic, we are changing over the lights that are used most often to compact fluorescents.
It is a simple idea; the kitchen in the school has over 30 lights and are switched on more often then the lights in the bedrooms!
One of the concerns we had is how to dispose of the cfls once they burn out. They do contain a small amount of mercury, so it is important not to break the glass or toss them in the trash. They must be disposed of correctly. Contact your local recycling authority for proper disposal. www.epa.gov
Of course the best tip of all is the one your mother always told you. “Turn out the lights when you leave the room!” Other solutions are putting light switches on timers or motion sensors in rooms where lights are only needed for a short time. (ex. Bathrooms or closets)
