Compact Flourescents actually release less mercury into the atmosphere than an incandescent because the power generation causes more mercury released into the atmosphere (avg 5.8 mg in the life from power generation) compared to CFL (avg 1.8 in the life- 1.2 from power and .6 from power generation) Manufacturers of CFLs are also reducing the amount of mercury every year, and if recycled properly the mercury going into landfills is none. While LED's are great in some applications, the price is too high right now to make it practical and the light is very cold making it unattractive to the average person.