And increasing the use of compact florescent light bulbs? I still think it's a good idea.

But reader responses to last week's column touting a local architectural firm that gave away CFL light bulbs to observe Earth Day taught me a couple of things about these bulbs. They contain small amounts of mercury and cannot be disposed with the rest of your household garbage. So you need to take them to designated landfills (check with the local government agency that handles your trash collection) or wait for regularly scheduled household hazardous waste collection events in your area and bring any burned-out CFL bulbs for proper disposal.

One reader cautioned that in her personal experience with CFL bulbs, their life may not be as long as advertised. I've yet to replace the CFL bulbs in my garage but I couldn't tell you for a certainty how long they've been there. It's been a good while, I know. Next time I replace them, as the reader advised, I should document the date to check for myself.

Yet another great idea. But I know in my heart of hearts that it probably won't happen because I will likely be so focused on changing the light bulb that I will forget to document the date. I guess it could be considered an inadvertent conservation of brain power.

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Marjorie Cortez, who cherishes the interesting exchanges with Deseret Morning News readers, writes editorials for the newspaper. E-mail her at marjorie@desnews.com.