CFL's

I am a firm believer in trying to be environmentally friendly; I recycle, compost and reuse. One look at my wardrobe will convince you that I try to wear things until they are well and truly worn out. Long ago, I gave up trying to be in style, if it fits, is comfortable and clean it works for me. Yup, some of the clothes that I wear are very old!
My many attempts to be a good steward of the environment have taught me that it is important to examine all sides of issues. For example, CFLs, compact fluorescent light bulbs are not living up to their claims of lasting a great deal longer than regular bulbs. CFLs cost 6 times what regular bulbs do and some have lasted half as long as incandescents! Apparently, the tests on CFLs were only done on table lamps not the many uses that people have for lights. Turning CFLs on and off speeds up their demise. What are we to do? Keep the lights on? CFLs emit frequency harmonics and its infared light interfere with many electronics. You have to wonder what they do to computers!
In Europe, CFLs are branded dangerous waste because they contain mercury which is something that has caused me concern and wonder about the claims about their environmental impact.
Let this be a reminder that we must examine products carefully and their impact through their complete life cycle.