Acanthophis Gore pt II

"Nobody is interested in solutions if they don't think there's a problem. Given that starting point, I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous (global warming) is." -- Al Gore


We switched from our standard light bulbs to the new compact fluorescent spiral thing last summer. We were told that these things were more environmentally friendly (I hate that catch phrase) and they would save great amounts of energy. Of course when our first bill came there was no change. No savings was found because light bulbs just do not use that much energy.

As soon as I decided to buy the old faithful, more news about the bulb arises. It seems the mercury content in the bulb has become a concern in certain circles.

Although, the EPA claims the amount is negligble they promptly dump crazy instructions and expectations for disposal on you and I the bulb buyers.
The tiny amount of mercury in the bulbs pose no danger.....but they go on to all-but furnish you with a full body suit and six weeks of Hazmat Training. Based on their clean up rules the risk is minimized. However, how many people do you know that will follow this lengthy procedure.
How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
From the EPA website.......

The following steps can be performed by the general public:
1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
􀂃 Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
􀂃 Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
􀂃 Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
􀂃 Note: some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
􀂃 Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:
􀂃 First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
􀂃 If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.
Now the enviro-nazis want to force you to change to these expensive bulbs. We bought 16 bulbs at $2.50 a piece. When they burned out we bought two eight pack bulbs, made possible by good 'ol Edison, for $5.00 total.
You do the math. We never saw enough savings to offset the 40 bucks we spent.

We didn't notice a savings because compared to all of the other energy users in our home, light bulbs comprise a very small percentage. We leave our light off most of the day, but the AC or Heat is on for the majority of the time.

But low energy costs are not the only lie being peddled by these Global Warming propagandists.
The American Spectator had a great article on the issue.
Believe me it's worth the read.
Click Here

environmental