Wal-Mart Gets Credit

We've been critical of Wal-Mart and its "green epiphany," so why not give it some credit where due: Fast Company reports the retail giant will try to sell 1 million compact fluorescent bulbs over a year's time. The article notes this may play havoc with incandescent bulb markets and rightly so. CFLs use a quarter or less the power of traditional bulbs. Two issues not addressed by the article (the projections appear based on simple math rather than actual practice): CFLs do burn out, often well before their promised 5-year warranty period. And when they do, they must be recycled separately, i.e., taken to a recycling center or hardware store or other outlet that specifically handles them. This is because of the bulbs' mercury content.

Some outlets already charge to take back CFLs. While CFLs are still a far better deal for the environment, they may provide unexpected economic opportunities on their own that supplant any lost business from incandescent bulbs.

global warming ecological footprint carbon footprint GreenforGood sustainability green lifestyle compact fluorescent bulbs