CFL Bulbs Screw Base

Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs is an effective, simple change everyone in America can make right now. Making this change will help to use less electricity. CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy (electricity) than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury an average of 4 milligrams. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury (an amount equal to the mercury in 125 CFLs). Electricity use is the main source of mercury emissions in the U.S. CFLs use less electricity than incandescent lights, meaning CFLs reduce the amount of mercury into the environment.