Wal-Mart announced today that it will soon sell compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) with the least about of mercury possible in their Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs stores. Last year, Wal-Mart committed themselves in trying to sell 1 million CFLs to help reduce energy use and help save resources. This new commitment for significant mercury reductions in CFLs will also help minimize mercury pollution from CFLs manufacturing factories. CFL manufacturers, GE, Royal Philips, Osram Sylvania and Lights of America have worked with Wal-Mart to commit to lower mercury content beyond the 5 mg standard set by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Bentonville, Ark., May 10, 2007 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. today announced that it will dramatically lower the amount of mercury in the compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) sold in Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs. Wal-Mart estimates that the new reductions will effectively remove an average of 360 pounds of mercury per 100 million CFLs sold in its stores and Clubs, a reduction of 33 percent (based on 13W bulbs).

"Wal-Mart is committed to selling only ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs that are safe for our customers and great for the environment," said Andy Ruben, vice president of strategy and sustainability for Wal-Mart. "By partnering with our manufacturers, we are achieving mercury reductions in CFLs before they reach our store shelves. We're starting at the source to make sure our bulbs have the least amount of mercury possible. The reductions will ensure that consumers can take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of CFLs now. Today's action is a great win for the environment and our customers."

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CAW sponsors AB 1109 (Huffman) which would set statewide energy efficiency standards as well as establishing mercury reduction standards and caps for fluorescent lamps and lead reduction standards for incandescent lamps. Such caps may mirror the requirements already enacted under the European Union RoHS agreement. Because CFLs contain mercury, they are banned from disposal in landfills. The bill also requires manufacturers to help establish a free and convenient infrastructure for recycling hazardous lighting devices.

What You Can Do

• Write a letter of support for AB 1109.
• Learn more ways to live eco-friendly in CAW's Living Green page.
• Read about mercury issues.