Disposing of broken CFLs

Every once in a while it happens: a compact fluorescent bulb breaks in the home. Since the bulb contains a small amount of mercury, here is how to handle the break, according to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection:

If a CFL bulb breaks, open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Wear disposable gloves and pick up the broken pieces. Take a damp cloth and wipe and clean the area. Use duct tape to pat the area to remove any other small pieces.Place the broken pieces, cloth, disposable gloves and tape in a sealed bag and dispose. DO NOT VACUUM. Remember to recycled burned out bulbs in hazardous waste collections to keep mercury out of the environment and the landfills. HG in a circle design indicates mercury. Also remember that coal plants release mercury and using CFLs, if properly disposed of, means less mercury since less energy is used.

Many Thanks to Judi Friedman of PACE for sending this item.

Interfaith Power and Light is a religious response to global warming with chapters in 25 states and Greater Washington, D.C. Find a link to your local chapter at http://www.theregenerationproject.org/State.Find discounts on energy saving products at http://www.shopipl.org/

Climate Change Discussion

The World Affairs Council is sponsoring a discussion on Climate Change on Tuesday, April 1o at the Mark Twain House Visitors Center in Hartford, Center 351 Farmington Avenue, 6:30 - 10:00 p.m. Scroll down for RSVP info.

The program will be moderated by Congressman John Larson. Featured Speakers are:

Dr. Anji Seth, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, University of Connecticut. Dr. Seth will give a global perspective on climate change science.

Roger Smith, Campaign Director, Clean Water Action Coordinator, Connecticut Climate Coalition, Mr. Smith will discuss what is being done at the local grass roots level.

Lynn Stoddard, Environmental Analyst, CT Department of Environmental Protection. Ms. Stoddard will discuss CT state climate change policy.

Kenneth Reifsnider, Director, Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center, Pratt & Whitney Chair Professor of Design and Reliability, University of Connecticut. Mr. Reifsnider will speak about new technologies in relation to climate change.

Suggested Donation - $10*

All proceeds go the World Affairs Council. For more information or to reserve a seat contact860-241-6118 or info@ctwac.org

IREJN is Connecticut's Interfaith Power and Light. Visit us at www.irejn.org.

CT DEP Commish on WNPR

Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy appeared on the radio program "Where We Live" yesterday, talking about climate change, sprawl and other issues. If you missed it, you can listen here.

IREJN is Connecticut's Interfaith Light and Power. Visit us at www.irejn.org.