This may sound weird, but I date my compact fluorescent light bulbs. That's right, I mark on the base of the bulb when I installed it.

I always want to know if they actually last as long as the manufacture promises. And so far, they do.

Earlier this month, I changed the bulb on the lantern outside my house. I'd installed that bulb in February of 2004.

I figure that bulb burned for about 1,030 days. Assuming it was on 9 hours a day - and during the winter months, it was on a lot longer - it lasted for about 9,200 hours.

The manufacturer said it would last between 7,600 and 10,000 hours. So it did very well.

And don't forget, a compact florescent bulb uses 75 percent less energy than a regular incandescent bulb.

I like to use these bulbs in places that are hard to reach. For instance, the garage lights. It's a pain getting out the ladder and changing them. The lantern is another great spot. I just look for CF bulbs designed for outdoor use.

Remember, these bulbs don't go in the trash when they burn out. You need to take them to a place that can recycle them in an environmentally-friendly manner.

For a list of retailers that accept these bulbs, visit the Take It Back Network in King County at www.metrokc.gov

or Snohomish County: www.co.Snohomish.wa.us

Other helpful links:

PIERCE COUNTY -- www.co.pierce.wa.us

TACOMA HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM -- www.cityoftacoma.org

THURSTON COUNTY -- www.co.Thurston.wa.us

For More Information:

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

CF Bulbs & Energy Star