I just purchased some GE Energy Smart compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs from Target and I must say I am surprised there isn't a bigger push to ban the much less efficient incandescent light bulb. I replaced my old bulbs with the CFLs in a hallway light that stays on for a while, the light actually looks brighter now. At a cost of only $5 for two bulbs guaranteed to last 12,000 hours a piece (compared to 700 hours) I will be heading back out to Target to pick up a few more of these things.
This BBC article references banthebulb.org, a website created for the cause of banning incandescents.
According to Energystar.gov's website:
"If every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road. CFLs provide high-quality light, smart technology, and design, requiring less energy while lasting longer than typical incandescent bulbs."
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:
- Use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer.
- Save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime
- Generate 70 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
- In addition to other quality requirements, must turn on instantly, produce no sound, and fall within a warm color range or be otherwise labeled as providing cooler color tones.
- Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.
