I can’t stand it. No one single thing is going to “save” us. Energy saving bulbs help towards the goal.

CF bulbs generally last us for several years of daily use. You have to get special ones for dimmers or enclosed fixtures. It can be done.

I don’t even know where I would go to pay $16 per bulb for a normal CF. They come in inexpensive multi-packs at Home Depot and many other fine retailers. I once picked up a pack of 4 for $2. Yes they contain mercury and should be disposed of properly. But if your incandescent bulbs are powered by coal, the increased amount of coal burned releases more mercury than that in the bulb.