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Contributing to the environment by saving energy, eco friendly light bulbs give more light for longer than the standard bulbs. Through this, people won't have to buy more and more bulbs that can damage the environment and that won't waste energy. Let's look into how the light bulb operates first. Light bulbs receive energy from electricity; they convert this energy into light, thus illuminating the rooms or outdoors when switched on. The conversion rate is what measures the efficiency. Standard light bulbs convert only an average of only 5% of the energy it receives into light. This will require more power or energy and money, of course. Good thing that many of our good minds created eco-friendly light bulbs. These bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamp or CFL, could aid in the budgeting and energy-saving goals of families and industries. 
When compared to the standard bulbs, CFLs eco friendly light bulbs use 65 up to 80 percent less energy. It also lasts ten times longer, making it a better alternative lighting to the standards. There's no more question about it, CFLs should be used by every household and every company. Though it may cost a little higher than the standards, when compared with overall costs – let's say, you only have to purchase a CFL once in three months where you buy a lot of standard bulbs in that period – the CFL still has an edge. With that said, many will surely appreciate its features and many may shift to using the CFL's than the budget-wise bulbs. However, we shouldn't deny that CFLs have drawbacks. 
As stated before, the eco friendly light bulbs are pricey, sometimes even tremendously priced higher. There's also the issue of disposal and the CFL has mercury, a poisonous element. When the bulb breaks, it will release mercury and the area where the bulb had broken must be “aired out”. Mercury gas can affect the health negatively and could even lead to diseases. This is why the bulbs were created with thick glass so it won't break easily. Consumers are advised to look for products branded with Energy Star. This brand is coined by the US Environmental Protection Agency along with the US Department of Energy. It specially helps people from households to save money and help in protecting the environment by making use of products that use energy efficiently. Manufacturers of eco friendly light bulbs who join Energy Star are required to guarantee their products for two years at least. |
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