It's got a lot of higher-ups shaking their heads. Despite being proven energy and money savers and getting a big government push, sales of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) have plunged.
Sales have declined 25% nationwide from their peak in 2007 with sales in some regions diving 35-50% (here in Massachusetts!). "Based on additional data and analysis...it's apparent that the market is headed in the wrong direction," said Richard Karney of Energy Star.
What's going on? Some speculate buyers are disappointed by CFL performance. Or perhaps American consumers are resistant to change -- 90% of American light fixtures are still using traditional incandescent bulbs.
One certainly could not argue against the cost savings -- CFLs cost around $2 a bulb and last seven times as long as conventional lightbulbs. CFL makers are pushing for more incentive programs to maintain their admittedly tiny, market share. How do you feel about the CFL bulbs?
It's happening in the European Union as the first set of restrictions on the sale of conventional incandescent lighting go into effect. Retailers are allowed to sell off their remaining stocks of incandescent frosted glass bulbs before a blanket ban on their import begins. It is the beginning of a gradual phase-out resulting in a full-scale switch to compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs). Reaction thus far is mixed -- some are embracing it, some are accepting grudgingly and others are panicking and stockpiling.
CFLs use up to 80 percent less energy than standard light bulbs and save money in the long term but the switch has triggered fierce debate. CFLs have a higher up-front cost and there is concern about their mercury content. Others are decrying the loss of consumer choice. E.U. officials reassured consumers the change will be gradual; the most common type of light bulb, the clear 60-watt, will be available until September 2011.
America is slated to phase out incandescent bulbs starting 2012. Will you embrace the change or stockpile old bulbs?
When it comes to lighting that is good for the environment, our friends over at the Lighting Style Blog are raving about the Eco-Luz lamp by Varaluz. Sounds pretty green to us: The light is made of recycled steel, glass and reclaimed wood. The lights are hand-wrought by ironworkers, making them some of the most durable lighting products on the market.
If you haven't checked out the Lighting Style Blog yet, you should: It's a great source for tips, advice and commentary about lighting styles and techniques.
The Kichler booth at this year's K/BIS was all about the benefits of LED lighting and its energy-saving Design Pro LED Disc. This slender disc light uses 75 percent less electricity than incandescent light bulbs. And its slender profile (only 3/8") make it perfect for lighting under kitchen cabinet, inside a curio or above a mantel. It features easy installation with three feet of wiring already spooled inside. Easy to see why this light won the Lighting for Tomorrow award. Check it out if you are at the K/BIS at booth B3650 in Hall B. To read more about energy-efficient lighting and LEDs, see this article, which is part of our green homes special series.
I love the ingenuity here. Using two-liter bottles filled with water and two lids full of bleach, one Brazilian engineer is lighting his entire workshop during the daylight hours. This simple contraption provides the lighting equivalent of a 50-watt bulb, which is obviously not that useful at night but great for use in a shed or garage that lacks an electrical hookup. His idea has now spread through the entire neighborhood.
Today millions of people around the world will shutting off their lights for an hour starting to make a statement for the environment. It's called Earth Hour and it has shown tremendous support since its creation in Sydney in 2007. Starting with only 2.2 million houses participating, it jumped to 50 million supporters in 2008 and this year organizers are hoping to hit their goal of one billion participants. Iconic buildings and structures are participating this year, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the Coliseum. So, if you feel strongly about the environment and the battle against global warming, shut off your lights tonight at 8:30 p.m.
Light up the dark with Daylite! Duracell's new flashlight with patented TrueBeam Optics™ combines LED technology with precision-focus lensing to deliver more light than any other flashlight. Enter to win 1 of 50 Duracell Daylite™ LED Flashlights (MSRP: $24.99) in our Fall Flashlight Giveaway. Increase your chances of winning by entering every day until the contest ends on 11/7. Enter here.
