Energy efficient light bulbs, including CFLs, are the most environmentally friendly option. By switching to energy efficient light bulbs – including CFLs - you will actually do more good for the environment than if you use traditional incandescent bulbs. Why? Because traditional incandescent light bulbs burn far more energy, and when this is produced by coal-fired or geothermal power plants, mercury is emitted into the environment during the generation process.

Efficient light bulbs reduce energy
One of the reasons energy efficient bulbs are good for the environment is because they reduce energy consumption delaying the building of new power plants. This reduces the amount of mercury released from the production of energy from geothermal and fossil fuels (this type of generation accounts for approximately 20% of New Zealand’s total electricity production).

Sources of mercury
CFLs are only one small source of mercury in the environment. A mercury flow analysis was conducted by the Ministry of Environment in the spring of 2008 to make a full determination of the major sources of mercury in New Zealand. To date, large known contributors to New Zealand’s mercury sources include volcanic and geothermal activity, as well as mercury that remains from historic mining and pulp and paper activities.

Other sources of mercury include old thermometers, commercial lighting, barometers, mercury switches in older vehicles, some household batteries (rechargeable and single-use), dental amalgam, some electronic applications, and even medicine.

Efficient Light Bulbs
Be more environmentally friendly. When we use energy efficient lighting, we help create a better New Zealand.......

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
By switching to energy efficient light bulbs, including CFLs, you will actually do more good for the environment than if you use standard incandescent ......

Save Power
There are a number of ways for you to save energy and power, here are some ......