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Ace Hardware will recycle CFL bulbs for free
Contributed by: Jim Cummiskey on 4/24/2008

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are the brightest idea to hit the lighting industry since, well ... the invention of the light bulb itself. Energy Star, a federal government program, has kicked off the "Change a Light Change the World Campaign." The campaign sheds light on the benefits of CFL bulbs. For example, an Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent bulb uses about 75% less energy than a standard light bulb.

This efficiency translates to a CFL bulb life of up to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs and lowers your energy bills by at least $30 per bulb - not to mention fewer hours of fuel burning at the power plant which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. According to Energy Star, for every 100 regular light bulbs replaced by CFLs, there is an environmental benefit similar to removing three cars from the road for one year.

There is another side to the story that is important to note when talking CFLs. Some environmentalists say fluorescent lamps are an environmental paradox: they are environmentally sound because they use a fraction of energy to produce light but, because the bulbs contain mercury, the bulbs become environmentally hazardous if not properly recycled, and recycling mercury isn't as easy as recycling your newspaper or milk jug. That's about to change however because now, consumers have a new option to recycle CFL bulbs.

Thanks to funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Xcel Energy, Ace Hardware stores state wide will now take your old CFL bulbs and recycle them for free. Simply bring your bulbs into Ace Hardware at Cherry Hills Marketplace, located at Orchard Road and University (5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village), where a store associate will safely pack and ship for recycling. Cherry Hills Marketplace Ace Hardware also recycles old cell phones, rechargeable batteries and mercury containing thermostats.

Naturally, with new technology comes apprehension but, from our perspective at Ace Hardware at Cherry Hills Marketplace, these bulbs are catching on. In the eight months since we've opened our doors for business, we've seen a significant increase in sales of CFLs due in part to the increase in variety. Virtually every type and configuration of CFL made is available in our store. CFL bulbs are definitely becoming the bulb of choice and for good reason. The extra effort in handling is well worth the benefit to not only your family's bottom line, but our environment.

Editor's note: Find the Ace Hardware closest to you here.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Jim Cummiskey

Greenwood Village , CO

Jim Cummiskey has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 4/24/2008. Jim Cummiskey 's average story rating is 5.
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