For those of you who tuned into illumination on Earth Day we would like pass on a BIG thank you from everyone at TCP. We are all looking forward to continuing our education initiatives through more programs similar to this.

I would also like to thank all the bloggers and partner sites that helped us make this program such a success. These individuals took the time out of their busy schedules to view and blog about our program. A special thanks goes out to www.archlighting.com, www.greenstrides.com, and www.alliesanswers.com for your great plugs.

We received tons of questions from consumers, TCP reps, and educators. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the more common questions that we received before and during the program.

Michele – Consumer
Question: Where else can [CFLs] be used in the house, or wherever?
Answer: CFLs come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for all applications. The most common of which are the spirals which can be used in a wide range of applications, like table and floor lamps, ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and even covered outdoor fixtures.

A-lamps are the most common shape for light bulbs in general. They have a round, elongated shape and are typically used in places where customers wouldn’t want the look of a spiral like ceiling fans or fixtures where the bulb is exposed.

Reflectors are used indoors in recessed and track lighting fixtures and outdoors as flood lights.

Globe shaped CFL are perfect for vanities, or anywhere else customers may want a more decorative bulb.

A candelabra is a decorative lamp that has a more elliptical shape. It’s often used in chandeliers as well as other decorative fixtures that help with mood lighting and is dimmable.

PAR lamps which have texture surfaces and aluminum sides are mainly for outdoor applications such as flood lights for security, or on patios or decks.

Betty – Consumer
Question: How do I dispose of CFL bulbs?
Answer: It is best to recycle your CFL. Recycling programs exist for mercury in older non-digital thermostats and mercury thermometers, but residential CFL recycling programs are just now appearing. To find a residential recycling program in your area, visit earth911.org or lamprecycle.org. You can also call 1-800-CLEAN-UP.

If recycling is not an option in your area, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose the same way you would batteries, oil-based paint and motor oil at your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site. If your local HHW Collection Site cannot accept CFLs, seal the CFL in a plastic bag and place with your regular trash.

Mark – Rep
Question: Do your CFLs feature the ENERGY STAR® logo on them? Are you an approved vendor?
Answer: TCP has many ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs. To view all TCP’s ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs visit http://www.tcpi.com/corp/energy_star.aspx.

June Hill - Consumer

Question: My husband has a great concern about what happens when a CFL is broken in the home by accident. What happens to the mercury? Its it released, and a danger? Or is it somehow contained, and safe? If it falls on a carpeted surface, how do you clean it up safely?

Answer: The mercury in TCP, Inc. manufactured bulbs is a solid state form of mercury called amalgam. By using the amalgam form on mercury much less is release in the event of a bulb breakage. However, there still is some released and proper disposal procedures should be followed. Proper disposal instructions can be found here - http://www.springlightcfl.com/consumer/faqs.aspx.

Thank you again to all of you who participated in this event. It was huge success and we are look forwarded to being able to share more information with all of you very soon.