Today, the Earth observes its 41st Earth Day. Long before we ever heard of global warming, our carbon footprint, or the Macondo blowout, a conservation-minded politician from Wisconsin (Senator Gaylord Nelson) had the idea for a national day of appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. I’m all about showing appreciation.
This year, as a patriotic Earthling, I’m celebrating Earth Day by not watering my lawn. Brown is the new green. Did you know…it’s estimated that over 50% of landscape water use is wasted due to evaporation and overwatering? (My strategy is not recommended, however, if your home is for sale, or if you do not hold up well under pressure from the Homeowners’ Association. If that’s the case, it’s best to water your lawn in the early morning or evening, when excessive evaporation is less likely.)
I’m also thinking about replacing the 100-watt incandescent light bulbs in my home with energy-efficient compact florescent bulbs (CFLs). I think I only have two of that wattage bulb remaining in my house anyway. Did you know…it is the 100-watt incandescent that will be the first “old-style” light bulb phased out of production beginning in January 2012, one of the requirements of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007? (Unfortunately, CFLs are not without their own issues, as each bulb contains trace amounts of mercury…which can be hazardous to your health. Proper disposal of CFLs is important.)
Earth Day 2011 will also find me appreciating the fact that my home has a passing Walk Score®. That means that I live within walking distance of a park, stores, schools, and restaurants…all nice amenities to be near. Did you know…you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding carbon-heavy “convenience options?” Try walking rather than driving to the nearby park. (You can check your own home’s “Walk Score®” by clicking here.)
Finally, I will culminate my observance of Earth Day by walking to my neighborhood pub and supporting my local brewer. Did you know…researchers in Japan recently demonstrated that beer bran, a byproduct of brewing with barley, can absorb bad stuff from industrial wastewater, including hazardous organic compounds like benzene and trichloroethylene? (I will raise a glass to Senator Gaylord Nelson for his great idea…and then remind anyone within earshot that “Everyday is Earth Day!”)
By Tom Gongaware
What is the proper way to dispose of CFLs?
April 23rd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Good question, Tracy. As I said, compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury...typically 3-5 milligrams and even less after the bulb "expires." But, since mercury is a powerful toxin, proper disposal is important. I've found Earth 911 to be a good resource for locating recycling centers for CFLs as well as other hazardous waste like paint or batteries. Many counties in North and South Carolina also offer convenient disposal sites.
April 23rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Tracy and Tom, I believe many stores such as Home Depot or Lowes collect items such as CFL bulbs and Batteries (which also should be disposed of properly) and recycle them. I'd call and check with the local store first, though. At my house, we collect said items and when we have a container (box or bucket) full, we drop them by the store. Hope that helps!
April 28th, 2011 at 9:19 am