By 2014 everyone will have to use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by the President on December 18, 2007 requires all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with40-watt bulbs in January 2014.  Who do we have to thank for this,  no not Obama, but George W. Bush.   According to the Energy Star website,  a CFL will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.  Maybe you already use them. We are. I don’t really care for them as the light they emit is not as bright as an incandescent bulb. When I flip the switch on, the light takes awhile to really light up. Then there is the clean up. I had heard about the clean up if one breaks, but I never gave it  much thought.  Then I started reading about the process and it’s a doozy. CFLs contain mercury.  Now it’s suppose to be very low levels, but still it’s mercury. The same mercury that was in thermometers that no one uses anymore. The following information is taken from the EPA website (www.energystar.gov).  If a CFL burns out, the EPA suggests the consumer takes advantage of local recycling options.  If your local or state environmental regulatory agency allows you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags.  That’s right two plastic bags.  Aren’t we suppose to be using less plastic?  So what happens if a CFL breaks? Break out the Haz Mat gear.  Before clean up, you have to air out the room.  People and pets will not be permitted to reenter for 15 minutes.  If you have central forced air heating/air conditioning it has to be turned off.  Wait it gets better.  All glass and powder has to be scooped up using a stiff paper or cardboard and placed in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a plastic bag.  Use sticky tape such as duct tape to pick up any remaining fragments and powder.  Wipe the area clean and put the used towels in the glass jar. Seal the jar and put in a trash container or protected area.  If your state or local government does not allow disposal in the trash then you must go to the local recycling center which means you will probably have to drive.  How is this really saving the environment?  I understand we need to take care of our planet. I was president of the H.O.P.E ( Helping Our Planet Earth) club in high school.  We started a recycling program in the school and planted trees.  I really do care about the environment, but I think the CFLs are going too far.    So stockpile now.  Before too long you will have to buy regular light bulbs out of the trunk of some guy’s car in an alley.