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North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences Program
E-Conservation Program
The E-Conservation Program was created to inform and educate North Carolina consumers about ways to both reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency in the home.
This project is designed to reach and teach consumers to be proactive in reducing their home energy consumption and in saving money through no-and low-cost energy efficiency measures, behavioral changes and home retrofits.
May 2008
Choosing the right compact fluorescent light bulb for your needs
Compact fluorescent lighting offers unprecedented energy savings, which translates into
lower power bills and a cleaner environment. Technology has improved options in size,
shape, and color of these bulbs. They are now available to fit almost any new or existing
fixture, and the range of light “temperatures,” offers a variety of lighting that closely
resembles that of incandescent bulbs. [pdf]
Disposing of compact fluorescent bulbs is safe and easy
Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are increasingly available and popular.
Using a bulb that requires less energy not only saves power, but saves money on utility bills.
Additionally, lessening the power required means reducing the amount of greenhouse gases
emitted, promoting a cleaner environment. Compact fluorescent lights do last longer than their
incandescent counterparts, but at some point they may burn out or break. Because the bulbs
contain a very small amount of mercury (about the size of a pinhead) encased in glass tubing, it is
important to dispose of them correctly.[pdf]