By Shelly Bokman

Those New Light Bulbs Have a Dark Side

Many of us have made the first, and often easiest, move to a greener lifestyle by replacing our light bulbs with the new compact fluorescent light bulbs (aka CFLs). The bulbs last up to 10 times longer than the average incandescent bulb, while expending 75% less energy, according to Energy Star. But we should be aware of one little-known fact: once they burn out, the bulbs need to be recycled; you cannot just toss them in the trash.
You should also know that the average CFL contains around 5 milligrams of mercury, equivalent to the tip of a ballpoint pen, and it is toxic. It will not break down in the landfill. Homeowners and businesses are urged to take them to the proper hazardous waste site in their area. Visit smud.org for local recycling programs.
If a bulb breaks, take the following precautions:
• Open a window and leave the room for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Remove all materials by scooping fragments and powder using cardboard or stiff paper. Sticky tape may be used to pick up materials. Do not use a vacuum or your bare hands. Wipe area clean with a damp paper towel.
• Place all materials in a plastic bag. Seal and dispose of it properly.
• Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

You Can Stop the Junk Mail

Have you had it up to your eyeballs with all the junk mail you get? Me too! The good news, for both of us, is that there is a solution! Check out one or more of the following sites, where you can stop the aggravation and save some trees too.
• Green Dimes—For only $20 this company will stop up to 90% of your junk mail and plant 10 trees in your name: www.greendimes.com
• Direct Marketing Association—For just $1 you can register to be removed from bulk mailing lists: www.the-dma.org
• Obviously.com—This website has loads of tips for stopping everything from credit card offers to those Publishers Clearinghouse envelopes. It also has tips on blocking SPAM from your email in-box and putting an end to telemarketing phone calls—won’t save trees, but it might save your sanity: www.obviously.com/junkmail

Making Easter “Green” Is Simple

If you want to skip the chemicals this Easter (and we know you do), then try dying eggs the all-natural way this year. Nature has an array of natural dyes that are fun to try, and the kids will love seeing what colors come out of their favorite fruits and veggies.
Soak your hardboiled eggs in these all-natural dyes:
• Melted frozen grape juice = lavender
• Melted frozen cranberry juice = red
• Pickled beet juice = light pink
• Cooked yellow onion skins = yellow to orange-tan.
• Cooked blueberries = blue
• Cooked carrot tops = yellow
• Cooked purple cabbage leaves = purple
• Cooked spinach or parsley leaves = green