The Lowdown on 'Green' Lighting

Miami Herald, staff
Published January 15, 2009

Not all compact fluorescent bulbs are created equal, even though they may have the Energy Star seal of approval, according to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. To help consumers pick the best of the bunch, EWG has authored The Shoppers Guide to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs at www.ewg.org/node/27220. It recommends seven bulb lines manufactured by Earthmate, Litetronics, Sylvania, Feit, MaxLite and Philips. They last longer than Energy Star minimum requirements and use less mercury than other CFLs. The guide, which can be printed out, includes a list of websites that sell the bulbs and suggestions on where to start switching incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs in the household. It also explains alternative eco-friendly lighting options, such as LEDs and halogen bulbs.