I'm curious to hear everyone's opinions on compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Do you use them, do you have them throughout the house?
There's an article about their mercury content on the BBC website today and it got me thinking about them again, especially as manufacturers are planning to phase out production of traditional bulbs over the next few years. Although they can help cut household energy consumption, the environmental and health risks have me a bit concerned. Is the energy they save a fair trade-off? Or would we be better off just following the old-fashioned advice of switching off lights that aren't in use and focusing on reducing household energy consumption in general?
Right now we have energy efficient bulbs in most places in the house. They're fine for general use but I find their light hard to read with and sometimes they 'buzz'. X
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7172662.stm
I've just read your link, tapestry. Apparently the risk is very low (because of the small mercury content) and only if the bulbs are smashed. It hasn't made me want to switch back to the old bulbs. I have low energy ones throughout the flat and don't have a problem with them. Mind you, given the npower price rises (see the npower thread) I shall certainly be switching unused lights off from now on.
Edit to say that I'm becoming increasingly frustrated because it seems that just about everything we eat/drink/use/travel in/buy or watch is bad for us nowadays. If this is the 21st century, frankly you can keep it!
xxx
Edit to say that I'm becoming increasingly frustrated because it seems that just about everything we eat/drink/use/travel in/buy or watch is bad for us nowadays. If this is the 21st century, frankly you can keep it!
xxx
Ha ha, I say the same thing! No wonder people are stressed out these days. 😮
The mercury content is small, but if everyone used the bulbs exclusively it might be a problem, especially if people just threw them in the bin when they're expired/broken. Although the Greenpeace lady said they could in fact reduce the amount of overall mercury. I suppose in all the bulbs are a good thing, but there's issues with them that need addressing. I also think we're being a bit too quick to phase out traditional bulbs, for these reasons and also consumer choice.
I did try and read an article at work yesterday about these bulbs. It seems they can increase skin problems. Excuse me being a bit vague only I was supposed to be working!! I think it was in the Daily Mail. Maybe someone else has more info on this??
Incandescent!
The bulbs, not me .... I have eco-bulbs in most of my light fittings. (100w 😎 )
Seems that the 'Government' plans to have eliminated the use of incandescent bulbs by 2011 - does anyone know if this applies to all incandescents? What about clear candle bulbs that are used in fancy ceiling fittings, tinted bulbs for decorative use (electric fires etc)?
And what about Christmas Tree lights -technically they are miniature incandescents! So are bulbs that illuminate your fridge, oven & microwave. Are they going to demand that the industry develops low-energy equivalents or adopt a more sensible, pragmatic approach - unfortunately knowing how Gov policy is made, I think I know the answer.