#EndToxicLighting
A digital campaign to phase out fluorescent lighting at COP4
Why Do We Need to #EndToxicLighting?
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a neurotoxin that is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous chemicals for public health according to the World Health Organization. When a fluorescent bulb breaks, mercury is released, posing environmental threats and hazards to human health.
The widespread availability of super-efficient, cost-effective mercury-free LED alternatives means the world is ready for a global transition to clean lighting to protect people and the planet.
The Minamata Convention
At the upcoming Minamata Convention COP4 in March 2022, 137 countries representing more than 6 billion people will vote on a proposed amendment to end exemptions for mercury in fluorescent lighting products.
If adopted, the cumulative (2025-2050) global benefits of the African Lighting Amendment would:
- Eliminate 232 tonnes of mercury pollution from the environment
- Reduce global electricity use by 3%
- Avoid 3.5 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions cumulatively between 2025-2050; equivalent to removing all passenger cars globally from the road for a whole year
- Save US$1 trillion on electricity bills
The Campaign
From March 2 to 25, the #EndToxicLighting campaign will feature a vast array of resources that support the accelerated global transition to LEDs, including reports, regionally focused evidence documents, and press from the Clean Lighting Coalition and partners.
We will also continue to highlight the #EndToxicLighting Petition which asks civil society groups and industry to make their voices heard to governments that the time for a clean lighting transition is now.
Get Involved
To participate in or follow along with the campaign across social media, please join us in using the hashtag #EndToxicLighting. Civil society organizations and private industry can also sign our #EndToxicLighting Petition.
Social Media Toolkits
Event Recordings
- IWD Event: How is Your Lightbulb Poisoning Women?
- Pre-COP4.2 Side Event: Accelerating the transition from fluorescent lighting to LED technology
- Mercury Reduction in Lighting Industry – Indonesia
- Feasibility and Benefits of A Transition to Mercury-free Lighting in CARICOM
- How to Safely Dispose Fluorescents at End of Life