The long-term answer to atmospheric pollution is to obtain our energy supplies from non-polluting sources; the short to medium term answer is to use energy more efficiently.
Reducing electrical load will prevent CO2 and other greenhouse gasses being released into our atmosphere. For every kWh of electrical energy provided by an average coal fired power station 0.9 kg of CO2 is emitted. That means a 36w fluorescent lamp burning just 60hrs each week will be responsible for another 125kg of CO2 being added to the air we breathe.
In a normal office modifying 30 twin 36w fittings to single lamp fittings would make the same reduction in atmospheric CO2 as 1 acre of trees.
All fluorescent lamps contain free mercury. When failed lamps are buried in landfill sites, which are the usual means of disposal, the mercury does not breakdown. By reducing the number of lamps being used the quantity of free mercury build up in soil and ground water will be reduced.
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