April 22 is Earth Day, and Newberry Electric Co-op, and all 20 electric co-ops throughout the state, are giving customers a small gift to help make the earth greener.

A total of 1.2 million compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) are being given to all residential co-op members in the state. This means that 7,692 of the energy saving light bulbs will be sent out to Newberry members.

Members will receive one 75-watt equivalent bulb and one 100-watt equivalent bulb. The average savings in energy and replacement bulbs should be about $60 for both bulbs during their usable lifetime.

The co-ops will start mailing out the bulbs by the end of April and continue through June.

Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home's electric bill. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost relatively little up front and provide a quick return on the investment.

Research shows if every home in the United States replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than three million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.

Shedding light on CFLs

Where to use CFLs: Replace bulbs that are used the most. Some CFLs have trouble operating in enclosed fixtures. Check the packaging for any restrictions on use.

Do CFLs contain mercury? There is a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. It amounts to about five milligrams and would cover the tip of a ballpoint pin. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

What to do when the bulb burns out: Due to the mercury in the bulbs, they are accepted for recycling at the Highway 34 Transfer Station. Each S.C. electric cooperative office will accept used CFLs for recycling.

Energy Star qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, look at the CFL base to find the manufacturer's name. Visit the manufacturer's Web site to find the customer service contact information to inquire about a refund or replacement.

How should I clean up a broken CFL? If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes to disperse any vapor that may escape, carefully sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments and cleaning materials in two sealed plastic bags and put into the outside trash.