CFLs - A Double Edged Sword

Fluorescent lamps have been darlings of green-minded people for quite some time now. Greening tips inevitably nudge you to "switch to CFLs". Governments encourage CFLs since they're more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs use about 75 percent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer. With such impressive stats, what's not to love! But there is a dark fact about CFLs that many people don't know, for which I wasn't prepared and when I got to know, my green sensibilities took a harsh beating.

How does a fluorescent bulb or CFL work?

CFLs contain mercury vapour which produces ultraviolet light when stimulated by electric current. This light is radiated as visible light when it strikes the fluorescent compound phosphor painted on the inside of the bulb.

Issues with CFLs

CFLs were my rockstars till I discovered some ugly truths about mercury, which happens to be a neurotoxin. Frankly speaking, I felt utterly betrayed. I always took an avid interest in environmental issues and read quite a bit. Most of the articles I read were busy comparing CFLs with incandescents and singing paeans on their energy efficiency. None of them highlighted the truth about mercury. There are a couple of major issues with CFLs:

• Mercury levels - According to a study by "Toxics in that glow", the average mercury content in  CFLs in India has been found to be 21.21 mg which is four to six times higher than that in the developed world. The highest mercury content of 62.56 mg was found in 11 watt CFLs which are most purchased in India. In contrast, bulbs with as low as 1 mg mercury are also available in the US. There is no mandatory cap on mercury in India. Currently, the US cap is 4mg/ CFL for units up to 25 watts and 5mg/CFL for units over 25 watts. In EU, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) law mandates the cap to 5mg/CFL. Interestingly, the quantity of mercury is not mentioned on packaging in India (it just says "Hg"). So even if a consumer wants to choose a CFL with lower mercury levels, he simply can't! 

• Unsafe disposal practices - India has no collection, recycling or disposal rules for fluorescent lamps. These lamps are indiscriminately dumped in landfills where mercury can escape and contribute to air and water pollution. It can easily leach into groundwater. Workers in waste processing industry regularly come in direct contact with broken CFLs, facing serious health hazards. 

How does mercury affect us?

Mercury is toxic in all its forms - organic, inorganic and elemental. Inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on respiratory, nervous, digestive and immune systems. Methyl mercury is the most toxic form of mercury. Consumption of fish and seafood is the major source of this particular contamination in human beings.

Low awareness on vital facts about CFLs

The pros of  CFLs are heavily advertised but the cons are rarely publicised. The government is aggressively promoting CFLs in rural India with Bachat Lamp Yojana. Announced in Feb 2009, it aims at large scale replacement of incandescent bulbs with CFLs.

However, no proper collection and disposal facilities have been launched alongside. Leave alone consumer awareness campaign for safe handling /disposal of CFLs, there are no instructions on packaging about how to deal with a broken CFL. Hence it's no surprise that even highly educated people are not aware of the mercury presence in CFLs, the potential hazards of a broken CFL or how it could pollute air and water if disposed of irresponsibly. 

To give an example, an engineer friend had casually left a broken CFL on her bureau and it lay there for a couple of days waiting to be disposed of. (Mercury vapours keep emanating from a broken CFL). She has two kids who were merrily playing around the CFL. If this is the case with the urban elite, the awareness level in rural folks can only be imagined. 

The government is creating a Frankenstein and when ill-effects reach alarming proportions, it would scurry to douse the fire but by then it would be too late. The government should stop taking a myopic view of the situation and arrange for safe recycling and disposal infrastructure.

What to do when a CFL or fluorescent light breaks?

It is important to know how to clean-up in case a CFL breaks at home or work. We need to understand that we are dealing with hazardous material. 

1. Evacuate everyone from the room. Babies and pregnant women should be the first to go as mercury vapours are most harmful to them. Make sure nobody steps over spillage while moving out.

2. Open external doors and windows to air the room while shutting off any doors to the rest of the house.

3. Shut any central air conditioning or heating. Let the room air out for at least 15 minutes.

4. Wear rubber gloves and change into old clothes. You might have to discard these clothes after cleaning. Collect cleaning supplies like cardboard or paper sheets, duct tape, wet wipes, 2-3 Ziplocs (or similar bags) or a glass jar.

5. DO NOT vacuum or sweep the place with a broom. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor to a larger area. DO NOT let kids help you

6. Collect broken pieces with the help of cardboards or paper sheets. Finer pieces can be collected with duct tape.

7. Clean the place with wet wipes or damp paper towels. Put everything including wet wipes and gloves in sealable bags or glass jars before putting it in the trash. 

8. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

9. Do not wash clothes which have come in direct contact with mercury in the washing machine."Direct contact" means if the broken glass and mercury-containing powder came in contact with your clothing or furnishing, it should not be washed in the washing machine. It should be discarded. 

10. If possible, air the room for 24 hours. If not, at least for 7-8 hours.

As prevention is better than cure, be very careful when replacing CFLs and don't break them. One time exposure to mercury vapors might not do any harm but I for one, am not taking any chances. 

CFLs versus LEDs:

While researching on CFLs, I vowed to switch to LEDs. LEDs, though expensive, are even more energy-efficient and last longer. But when I probed deeper, LEDs have their own disposal issues as they contain lead. Phew! More on LEDs in another blog post.

What can we the consumers do?

1. Raise your voice. Write to government authorities and pollution control boards asking them to:
a) Cap mercury content
b) Set up recycling units
c)Make it mandatory to display mercury content on fluorescent lamp packages.

2. Write to manufacturers to reduce mercury content and display mercury content on packages. 

3. Buy CFLs with low mercury content. Havell's apparently has a green CFL. I haven't seen the product or packaging, but if you are going shopping, do check it out. Keep abreast of any such developments by asking the shopkeeper.

4. Reduce the need for energy by responsible consumption.


References:

1.http://www.cpcb.nic.in/upload/NewItems/NewItem_134_Final%20Technical%20GUIDELINES.pdf

2.http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/cflcleanup20120329.pdf

How To Make Curd/ Yoghurt At Home

It has become very popular to buy readymade curd these days. There are many things going for it. It is convenient, well set, smooth, thick and tastes divine. There are a few issues, however, which just kills it for me. It leaves a plastic trail, isn't exactly economical, the ingredients which make it so firm look suspicious and the fear of plastic leachates in curd are a put-off.

I have always seen curd being made at home. It looked as easy as 1-2-3 when Mom did it in hot Rajasthani summers but became as tricky as solving Rubiks's cube when I tried it in cold climes of Europe. Now in Bangalore, I set my own curd and though it doesn't come as thick as ready ones, it's pretty good. The procedure is easy.

Ingredients:

500 ml milk

1 tablespoon curd

Method:

1. Boil milk. Let it cool till it is lukewarm. To test the temperature, dip a finger in milk and count till ten. If you are able to hold your finger comfortably, it is the right temperature. If you can't, wait further.....hum a song, drink some water, take deep breaths....(Trust me, after a few times it would be enough to dip your finger for a second to judge the right temperature) If the milk is not warm enough to begin with, reheat it and follow the above procedure again.

2.Transfer milk into a bowl. You can use steel, glass, ceramic or clay bowl. (Of course, you can use plastic but it isn't my favorite material on earth so I'll give it a miss.)You can also set it in individual ready-to-serve mini bowls or katoris.

3. Add a spoonful of curd and mix nicely. Consider mixing it by transferring from one container to another.

4. Cover it and keep undisturbed for 6-8 hours in a warm corner. Setting time would depend on the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, read the tips given below.

5. Open the lid and voila, curd is ready! You can eat it straight away, refrigerate it, strain it....the options are endless.

Tips:

1. If you use buffalo milk, you will get thick and chunky curd like the ready variety.

2. You can make flavoured curd by adding a little of fresh fruit pulp like strawberry and mango. Add pulp after point number 2 and follow the rest of the procedure.

3. If you live in a cold climate, place the bowl inside a casserole. Cover the casserole with a thick towel or a woolen cloth. Alternatively, heat the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 2 minutes. Switch off and put the container inside the oven with lights on.

What can go wrong:

At times, your dream curd won't set. Here's what can go wrong and how to fix it.

Curd isn't firm even after 12 -15 hours - It will be in a trishanku semi-solid state. Neither milk, nor curd. 

Use this curd to make semolina uttapams. In future, add the curd in larger quantity at a slightly higher temperature. Practice will make you perfect. Try on small batches.

Curd is stringy or slimy - It has set in a semi-solid state with strings in it. Did you use a culture from store-bought yogurt? Use a starter culture from someone who sets homemade curd. As to what to do with this curd? Back to semolina uttapams!

Curd is too sour - Curd has set well but has become too sour. Maybe, it was left out for too long. Use it for making kadhi, handava, chaach or those semolina uttapams :)

For recipes with curd, check out my cookery blog. Enjoy your eco-friendly dahi!

To Plant Or Not To Plant - The Curry Leaf Conundrum

Those of us who live in apartment complexes, enjoy a bit of greenery in the form of ornamental trees, bushes, and lawns. When my Mom came visiting and she wanted a sprig of curry leaf, she wondered why we didn't grow useful plants like curry leaves, tulsi, aloe vera, etc. in our common landscape. Valid question. This had crossed my mind too but when she aired it, it set me thinking.

Recently, a similar thought was echoed by a visiting farmer who practices organic farming. According to him, all available land should be used to grow food. In this day and age when there are multiple issues around food, it is imperative that we grow as much of our own food as possible. Plants with medicinal and culinary value should be an integral part of every community landscape. Only if we could work it out!

The usual defense against growing any useful trees in common areas is that they would be plundered. Isn't it a pity? We have resources of land, water, labour, money but we can't put them to effective use because it would lead to wars - issues of who gets what and how much. 

I think this is a classic case of the tragedy of commons. (Those who are too lazy to click the link, here's a simple explanation. Picture a piece of grazing land which is free for common use. To get the maximum benefit out of the land, each owner would try to put as many cows for grazing as he can. In this way, while the gains from putting an additional cow would be enjoyed by the individual, the cost in terms of decreased grass would be shared by all. Over a period of time, there would be too many cows with no grass and everybody would lose out.)

If we replace this pasture with curry leaf trees, we can picture people plucking more and more leaves out of self-interest without giving a thought to the sustainability of the tree. Soon enough, the tree would die and we would all lose out. Though we are a community of highly educated people, human nature would overpower reason and we wouldn't be able to manage our common resources. Sounds sad, doesn't it? 

Nevertheless, in my opinion, we should go ahead and plant a few curry leaf and drumstick trees. Say one curry leaf plant per block. The plants should be protected by enclosures till they are mature and then they should be open for use. Out of 216 apartments, how many would

- use curry leaf every day?

- would be willing to come down to pluck their share? 

I don't think there would be too many (how many of us use the clubhouse though we pay for it?) 

It wouldn't be possible to monitor trees so it would depend on residents (and housekeeping and helps) to behave responsibly. Though it might not work out, it's worth the experiment. What say, folks? Do you think a handful of curry leaves is worth bothering about? Will it work / won't work? Why? Has your apartment complex successfully managed such a resource? How can we ensure sustainable use of such resources?

Out with your ideas now so that we can reach a common ground. Tragedy or comedy of commons, we need to try out things for our own good.

One Should Borrow, One Should Lend......If One Wants to Keep Earth As A Friend

"Never borrow, never lend, if you want to keep a friend" goes an old saying. Generally, I'm a sucker for all things old and wise, but here, I beg to differ. 

I vote for borrowing and lending for two reasons. One is environmental, the other social.

You need it, you buy it - is the mantra these days. This affordability is ruining our planet. On the one hand, we are ravaging our resources to increase production and on the other, we are choking the planet by disposing off things indiscriminately. 

In my childhood days, items of occasional use were freely borrowed and lent. That big kadahi (wok) for making sweets, that stepladder for reaching upper shelves, that set of knitting needles - all were easily borrowed and gladly lent. 

We kids were dispatched to get the desired tools and weren't we willing messengers! Not only were we treated to goodies by neighbours, we also got to play with our friends for extra minutes,:) In short, borrowing and lending resulted in increased dependence and communication in a community. 

However, borrowing and lending comes with its own set of rules. 

Borrowing Dos and Don'ts

1. Know what can be borrowed and from whom:

You should have the wisdom to know which things can be asked for and from whom. For e.g. you might borrow an expensive piece of clothing from your mom or sister (well, maybe!) but not from an acquaintance. 

A good way to know if you are welcome to borrow something is to float your requirement. If someone volunteers to lend you, well and good; if not, use your good sense. You should think of borrowing only when you are comfortable in lending too.

2. Take care of the borrowed item:

You have to take utmost care of the borrowed item, even more than you would care for your own. Return it in the same or better condition. If you've borrowed a piece of equipment, clean it well before returning.

A friend of mine borrowed a scarf from me and got it dry cleaned before returning. The scarf looked fresher than before. I wouldn't mind lending to this friend again!

3. Return it ASAP with thanks:

Return the borrowed thing as soon as possible. Don't hold on to it after your work is done. At any rate, don't wait till the lender has to ask for it. Don't forget to say thanks!

4. No sub-lending:

This is a huge no-no. Don't sub-lend the item, at least not without the lender's permission and knowledge.

5. Avoid borrowing consumables too frequently:

Try not to borrow consumables like flour, sugar, potatoes....you get the drift, too frequently. If you do have to borrow occasionally, return when you get your supplies. Returning a cup of milk might seem awkward, so take the opportunity to share what you have in excess. 

If you're going shopping for your refills, ask if you can get something for the lender. 

6. Be ready to lend:

Don't hesitate in returning the favor when the need arises. It's a two way street. Keep the traffic and goodwill flowing!

7. Avoid borrowing or lending money:

Money is a sensitive issue. Many relationships get soured over money. So avoid either borrowing or lending it. 

There might be situations when you have to do so. If you borrow, return it at the first opportunity. If the amount is large, offer to return with interest. If you're taking time in returning it, keep the lender informed about timelines, otherwise the lender might wonder if you remember taking the loan at all! You'll close your avenues for borrowing in future.

Lending Dos and Don'ts

1. Learn to say 'No' politely:

If you're not comfortable in lending a particular thing, let it be known politely. for e.g. if you don't like to lend your eye make-up or lipstick, explain the hygiene factor behind it. If you have received something as a gift and hesitate in lending it, explain the emotional reason behind it.

Avoid borrowing from friends who come up with unreasonable demands, so you can so 'no' more easily.

2. Don't hesitate to give instructions:

If there are any set of instructions for using the lent item, let the person know in advance. (For e.g. I don't like my books to be read in a loo! Keep that in mind if you're borrowing books from me :)

3. Take damages in your stride:

Lend only if comfortable. After lending, if the item gets damaged and the borrower doesn't get it repaired or replaced, take it in your stride. You can politely let the person know about the damage. But if she doesn't take the hint, don't spoil a relationship over a broken thing. 

With these tips in mind, you are ready to navigate the world of borrowing and lending with confidence and without ruining those precious relationships. 

Partying In (Green) Style

Once a green convert, always a green at heart! 

I know of someone who is a fervent practitioner of this religion. She lives in a community with 40 odd households. Looking at the waste that is generated due to disposables after a party, she convinced her community to buy common dishes for parties. 

They bought 50 full plates, quarter plates, bowls, and cutlery. The dishes are kept with the manager. 

Whoever hosts a party at home can borrow the dishes free of cost. The only caveat is that the dishes have to be cleaned before returning and if any item is broken or lost, it has to be replaced. Fair enough! If a party is held at the clubhouse, then a nominal amount is to be paid to housekeeping for cleaning up the dishes. 

What a wonderful idea! Since inception, the dishes have been borrowed at least ten times within a span of three months. Imagine the number of disposables saved due to this practice.

It reaffirms a couple of things. One, someone has to take an initiative to launch sustainable practices. Two, such initiatives don't go waste. Support is always round the corner. 

Hail the green spirit and its passionate practitioners!

My Favourite Green Quotes

“The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need but 

not a single man's greed."

- Mahatma Gandhi


"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one 

thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to 

ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” 

- Chief Seattle

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try to sleep with a mosquito in your room."

- Dalai Lama 


“Oh beautiful for smoggy skies, insecticided grain,

For strip-mined mountain's majesty above the asphalt plain.

America, America, man sheds his waste on thee,

And hides the pines with billboard signs, from sea to oily 

sea.” 

- George Carlin


"Everyone wants to park their vehicles in shade but no one 

wants to plant trees."

-Anonymous

"Man is a strange being: he makes deserts bloom and lakes

 die." 

- Gil Stern

"The only thing that can't be recycled is time."

-Anonymous


"Men are from Mars and 

Women are from Venus

And that's where they'll have to go

If this earth they don't clean up."

-Anubhooti

Green Crafts - Upcycling A Paint Bin

After my apartment was painted, I was left with many empty paint bins. I wanted to convert one to a waste bin and a few others to potholders. We had recently started garbage segregation in our community, so a bin for reject waste was needed. I wanted to beautify the bin by twining a rope around it but never got around to hunting for the rope.

On a trip to Sikar, Rajasthan, I spotted this rope while going around in a local market. It is called 'moonj' and is used to weave 'charpais'. (cots woven with ropes). I am always attracted to rustic things and was delighted to find this. In fact, I wanted just a little bit but the shopkeeper would only sell the whole bundle. It was way too much for my requirement but there was no choice. When I reached home armed with a bundle of rope, everyone scoffed at my purchase and wondered what I was going to do with it. They ridiculed my idea of lugging the rope all the way to Bangalore:)

The rope, however, did get lugged to Bangalore. One fine day, my sis-in-law came to pay me a visit. She loves doing crafty things and I like to have a partner in crime, so we went ahead dressing the bin. After getting it cleaned and dried, we set about our task. It was alright to get the outside covered by a rope but the insides still looked unappealing. So we decided to line it with some fabric. Checkered fabrics always look chic and I remembered a dress that I had stopped wearing. It took a lot of cajoling from my SIL to sacrifice my beloved dress but then it was sheared and we got a lovely lining for the bin.

We pasted the bottom with cardboard. Then came the task of twining the rope. It was hard work and I was glad that I started this project with my SIL around. She is very neat and while one person applied Fevicol, the other held the rope tight and stuck it along the binder. After a couple of hours of hard work and sore fingers, we were rewarded with this. We were very pleased with the outcome.

I found a bow and stuck it at the top. What a difference a bow can make!

Now that it looked so lovely and also because it was lined with fabric, it couldn't be used as a waste bin and of course not as a potholder. So we decided to use it as a magazine holder.

The other bin has been painted with a basic coat and is waiting to be adorned further. I am planning a few worli motifs on it. Let's see. If and when it gets ready, I will post a picture.