May 11
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it is working with manufacturers to lower the mercury content in compact fluorescent light bulbs by 33 percent.
General Electric, Royal Philips, Osram Sylvania and Lights of America all agreed to reduce mercury levels more than the 5 milligram standard set by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. They also agreed to use clean production techniques. Lights of America even plans to have no more than 2 milligrams of mercury in its bulbs by the end of 2007.
"The reductions will ensure that consumers can take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of CFLs now," said Andy Ruben, vice president of strategy and sustainability for Wal-Mart. "Today´s action is a great win for the environment and our customers."
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs, and they can last up to 10 times longer. Coal-fired plants emit less mercury into the atmosphere to power a CFL compared with a traditional incandescent bulb, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Suppliers and retailers are working on making CFLs more affordable for the public in order to please shoppers.
Wal-Mart plans to sell at least 100 million of the bulbs by 2008.
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