To get back on topic there is one place I use florescent tubes. I use full spectrum tubes to keep my veggies happy during the long winter months. If they made CFLs that were full spectrum I would probably use them in other household fixtures. I am not very happy with the mercury issue but would have no problem dropping them off at a disposal site where they were re-cycled in a safe way. My tubes are 5 or so years old and I haven't blown one yet though I am sure that the time will soon come.  I suspect that the cost of a full spectrum CFL would be too high for the average consumer. The tubes command a rather hefty price in comparison to a regular "bluish" tube.