Dispelling The “Twisted Truths” Of Energy-Saving Light Bulbs (NAPSA)—For more than 129 years, people have used the incandescent light bulb as the primary light source for the home. With more consumers searching for prod- ucts that are good for the environment, a new light bulb is revolutionizing lighting around the world. Energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have become the symbol of the “green” movement. They use 75 percent less energy and last as much as 10 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Plus, they help reduce carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming. One of the most common myths is that CFLs are only available in one color. This was true in the past, because CFLs were only made with one phosphorcoating color—green—that caused the bulbs to cast a greenish tint. CFLs today are made with Triphosphors—red, green and blue— which allow manufacturers to adjust the lighting levels. Lighting innovator TCP, Inc. manufactures a majority of the CFLs on the U.S. market and offers these three different color options: e The soft white CFL is an ideal lifestyle light that provides a warm, full glow that is comfortable and inviting, makingit a perfect energy replacement in living rooms, family rooms, recreation rooms and bedrooms. The bright white CFL is an ideal working light and provides a radiant, crisp illumination that is an ideal light for working in the kitchen, bathroom, hobby room, basement and garage. The daylight CFL is a bright, quality light that provides accurate color rendition and emulates natural daylight. It is great for reading and detail-oriented activities, or anywhere you want truly Fre In the dark? Consumers would have to buy up to 10 incandescent light bulbs to last as long as one CFL. vibrant color and an exciting atmosphere. These CFLs are available at hardware stores, large retailers, supermarkets and discountstores. CFLs are also widely available online through various sites. The CFLs on the market today can be used anywherea traditional in- candescentlight bulb is used. Another common misconcep- tion is that CFLs are not good for the environment because they contain mercury. The industry standard is 5 milligrams of mercury in CFLs. However, many manufacturers are putting less than 3.5 milligrams of mercury in their bulbs. That is roughly the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. The mercury is sealed in the glass tube and no mercury is released whenthe bulbs are in use. CFLs offer great value. Many consumers shy away from them because of the price. The extra initial price is quickly made up in the energy savings. To learn more about CFLs, please visit www.tcpi.com and find facts about the most common myths regarding the spiral bulb that is reshaping how welight our world.
