Low-energy light bulbs: are they bad for the environment?

Being low-energy certainly doesn't suit every occasion. Image: cartoonstock.com

Every now and then you hear people talking and promoting the use of low-energy light bulbs. It's for the environment and your pocket, so they say. So, are they actually good or bad for the environment, and you?

Image: thesun.co.uk

The good news is that low-energy bulbs help to reduce carbon emissions. The downside is that they contain mercury. Although it is only present in small amounts, about one-thousandths of a gram, but it can be environmentally damaging if the bulbs are carelessly disposed of.

Careless means throwing or burying them in landfill. Mercury is a scheduled waste and needs to be treated prior to disposal. It's also harmful to breathe mercury in, so if you accidentally smash a bulb, vacate the room and stay out for at least fifteen minutes.


Reference: sciencefocus

How do electric eels generate voltage?

The electric eels - a type of knifefish - are capable of generating powerful electric shocks of up to around 600 volts. They use it for both hunting and self-defense.

Image: Wikipedia

The source of their power is a battery-like array of cells known as electrocytes, which make up around 80% of the eel's metre-long body. These disc-shaped electricity producing cells each acquire a small potential difference of around 1/10th of a volt by controlling the flow of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membranes.

Image: enchantedlearning.com

When linked together in arrays of thousands of individual cells, the result is a kind of natural car battery, which releases its charge when the eel spots predators or prey. Up to 500 Watt (think about the portable gasoline generator you have at home) of electric power is released per shock. That sort of power is enough to inflict significant injury on a human.

Road journey to Ranau

Ranau is a place in the interior part of Sabah, a district that is rich in tradition, and is blessed with beautiful landscapes. Don't forget - the people are friendly, too.

It is noted for its hilly geographical structure and is home to the majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in South East Asia. Located 1,176m above sea level the distric - in particular Kundasang area - is the largest producer of highland vegetables in the state of Sabah.

Tourism is one of the major industries here, evidenced by the large number of highland resorts, hotels and agri-tourism activities along the road leading to Ranau town.

Poring Hot Spring: this swimming pool is open to the general public for a fee

Welcome to Ranau! Wait, the fun starts way before you actually reach Ranau from Tamparuli. In particular, you'd be tempted to make a stop in Pekan Nabalu and enjoy the full view of Mt. Kinabalu. Ideally, you'd end your day with a soothing hot dip in one of the cubicles at Poring Hot Spring.


More pictures

View the pictorial journey along Ranau road towards Mount Kinabalu and beyond.