Making the most out of your gas savings

Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to fill up my gas tank for under $35. As gas prices have plummented in recent weeks - by more than half the peak prices we saw this summer - the temptation exists to drive more and relax about our overall use.

But wait. There's this little thing called "Supply and Demand." If we as a society drive more, gas prices are certain to rise again.

Instead, I usrge you to show the same sensabilities and restraint you showed when you were paying $4.25 or more a gallon this summer. And take advantage of these savings to reinvest in other energy-saving and environmentally friendly measures, such as:

• CFL bulbs for your home
• Weather stripping
• Green cleaning products
• Power strips (and use them to shut off power to items not in use!)

Or, save up for:

• Edible landscaping
• A compost bin
• Energy-efficient appliances
• A hybrid (ha!)

Shedding light on CFL bulbs

I am all for CFL bulbs as a way to save energy, so imagine my surprise when I read a story in the latest issue of Down East magazine about a $2,000 bill associated with cleaning up a broken light bulb in a woman's home.

The article stated that, yes, there is some mercury in the bulbs but common sense should be used in clean up of a broken bulb. The article referenced the Maine state Web site, which offers these tips and others:

• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the breakage. This will spread the mercury vapor and dust throughout the area and could potentially contaminate the vacuum.
• Ventilate the area by opening windows before and hours after clean-up.
• Leave the area for 15 minutes before returning to begin the cleanup.
• Place broken pieces in a secure closed container, preferably glass.
• Remove the container with the breakage and cleanup materials from your home.
• Wash your hands and face after cleaning up.

Unbroken bulbs, of course, should be recycled.