Were you aware that incandescent bulbs are on their way out? Of course, I’m sure by now you are aware of the energy savings when you use other options. The US, one of the last to do so, will phase out these energy wasters between 2012 and 2014; Australia and Europe, among others, have already done so. This is just one change you will see in light bulbs in the US.
Ever thought you would see a nutrition label on your light bulb? Well, that’s about to happen. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has announced a labeling program for light bulbs that will be seen on all light bulb packages starting mid 2011. The thought behind this is that consumers will see how much energy and money they are wasting by purchasing the incandescent bulbs; more people will start to use the energy efficient bulbs. You will also have to start buying bulbs by lumens and not watts as we are used to. A lumen is a measure of light while a watt is a measure of power.
The most common replacement for an incandescent bulb is a CFL (compact fluorescent) bulb (that spiral bulb) which contains mercury, making disposing of these bulbs very difficult. After calling my garbage company to see about disposing of them, I was told there are companies in Ingleside and Chicago that may or may not handle these bulbs and that’s it; after doing some research online I learned that Ikea also has a bulb recycling program. I called our local Ikea in Schaumburg and was instructed to bring my spiral bulbs only in – they do not except the long tube bulbs even though they also contain mercury. The lady couldn’t tell me where to take them in the store other than to ask at a service desk. This surprised me seeing as I just read that Ikea is phasing out incandescent bulbs effective this coming January 1st , that doesn’t give them much time to figure it out! Ikea – of which I generally think of for its lower-end, DIY furniture actually has surprisingly very forward thinking sustainability efforts. They have been using solar powered alternatives for lighting as well as sustainably forested wood for furniture.
Besides disposal issues, many people also don’t like the color of the CFL bulbs – finding them very cold. There are warmer bulbs now and with greater technology will come better bulbs. After all, it’s all about how they make our designs look, right? The new lighting labels will help combat this showing the light appearance on a scale from warm to cool.
Sources
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=45156
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/energy-environment/01iht-bulb.html
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/lightbulbs.shtm
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5030187_lumens-vs-watts.html
3 comments:
Andrea, are you aware that some bulbs currently used do not have a CFL or other alternative, including the tube style bulb sometimes used in sconces (I have one of these), and nightlight bulbs (old Christmas Tree size bulbs). Additionally, a CFL can not be used in an oven it will not tolerate the temperature variance. They also, do not last longer if used in a place where they are turned on and off frequently.
My mom used to say, just because your friend jumped off the bridge doesn't mean you should. I do believe that many will stock up on bulbs over the next several years and then sell them on e-bay and create a cottage industry. Hmmm, do I have enough room????
What about lighting for fine art and those of us who like dimmers and chandelier bulbs. The CFL bulbs do not have to small bases many of these lighting fixtures require. I am concerned that these bulbs will not be disposed of properly and just thrown in the trash so we can have mercury build up everywhere. As usual these laws are passed before all factors are considered.
Yes, I am aware there are many problems with this "green" initiative. My hope is that technology will be forced to catch up by the time they are phased out.
I know LEDs are going to start to be used on christmas tree lights, I was able to find a 2W Torpedo CFL bulb for chandeliers and sconces (I know the coloring is not ideal but at least it can fit in the fixtures). There are some bulbs that are dimmable but make sure you look on the packages to make sure it will work. As for the life of these bulbs, they are recommended to be left on for at least 15 minutes to capitalize on a long life.
There are some bulbs besides incandescent that will stick around like halogen - a great alternative. I do have a feeling that people will stock up while they can still find them but over time supplies will dwindle and we will all be forced to be eco-friendly...
Disposal, I feel, will definately be a big issue. I don't think many people are aware that these mercury containg bulbs have special procedures. Hopefully, the word will spread and companies will take more precaution in educating their customers who purchase them!
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