Picture this.

Abstract

with untold consequences for the health of future generations. Not that the manufacturers proclaim any of this in big letters. While the box goes on about greener living and carbon footprints, it makes no mention of organ damage, deformed fetuses or sick children. The only disposal guidance is a tiny wheelie-bin symbol with a cross through it, down in one corner. A quick internet search came up with two separate EU directives that prohibit the chucking out of low-energy bulbs with the household waste. Instead I must return them to the shop or seek advice from my local authority. Unfortunately, the shop went bankrupt. When I search for light bulbs on my council websites, I am told that no such things exist. So do I drive the 35-mile round trip to my local recycling centre? Or do I do what I suspect everyone else is doing and pretend I never heard of mercury poisoning?