Have you switched to energy-saving (CFL) lightbulbs yet? With the end of British Summer Time, last weekend, the cost of lighting our homes and business premises increases considerably as the longer nights set in.
If you haven’t made the switch to energy-saving lightbulbs yet, maybe now’s a good time.
Save money too!
In terms of the cost, energy-saving lightbulbs (or CFLs) should be called money-saving too. Although they cost slightly more to buy, they last many times longer than traditional, incandescent bulbs and will save you a small fortune over their lifetime (lighting can account for upto 20% of your domestic electricity bill).
Add to that the savings in carbon emissions, by reducing the amount of power required to light our homes, and you’ve got a real deal – a quick and easy way to save money and save the planet!
Still not convinced?
If you’re still not convinced enough about the benefits to make the switch to cleaner, greener, energy-saving lightbulbs, check out this video by Common Craft which explains why you should…
Many countries are already phasing out the availability of traditional, incandescent bulbs altogether, in an effort to cut carbon emissions. In the UK it will happen by the end of 2011. But don’t wait until then – get your energy-saving lightbulbs now and start saving energy, carbon emissions and cash!
How long do they last?
Energy-saving CFL lightbulbs will last 15-20 times longer than traditional, incandescent bulbs (but they don’t cost 15-20 times as much). In fact, they might last even longer than that…
I was reminded about writing this article while I was over at Muse Green the other day, where I read a post on the same subject. It prompted me to leave a comment about my own experience with energy-saving lightbulbs, and one in particular that I’ve had for nearly 12 years!
It’s been to 3 addresses with me and when I bought it back in 1996 it cost around £15 because it was new technology then (they don’t cost anything like that now – prices start from £2 or £3). My £15 bulb was worth every penny though, and it’s still going strong!
What about the mercury?
There is some concern, from an environmental perspective, about the mercury contained in CFLs. It’s an unfortunate fact, but not one that should put you off making the switch.
Power stations emit small amounts of mercury in to the atmosphere when they generate electricity so reducing the amount required to light your home more than compensates for the tiny amount of mercury in the bulbs.
Providing that you dispose of the bulbs responsibly by recycling them, in accordance with the guidelines, there’s no harm done.
More information
You’ll find more information about energy-saving CFL lightbulbs on the DEFRA website. And if want to know more, from a technical point-of-view, check out the article on Wikipedia.
No recommended reading.
3 comments… read them below or add yours now
Excellent article! Energy-saving lights do save you money by reducing your bills and help save the planet by reducing the CO2. All our lights are energy-savings ones. We’ve had some for a few years now but not as long as yours!! If they last for 12 years or more that makes them even better :)
Twitter: @myzerowaste
I prefer LEDs; they are not cheap, but they do not have the mercury concerns. Do you know what to do if you break a CFL? They can break easily; one shattered in my husband’s hand last year, releasing mercury. It’s important that people know how to clean them up and how to dispose of them too. I know it is only a small proportion of mercury, but it’s still a toxic substance and what happens in 15 years time when we all throw them in the landfill? (they are supposed to be disposed of correctly, but we all know that this won’t happen).
I find CFLs effect my eyes and my sleep pattern; they have been shown to effect circadian rhythms in susceptible people. I’m not scaremongering at all, but just pointing out that they are not the magic solution for all of us OR the environment
For me LEDs get the vote and dh is currently making some bulbs which he is running from an old car battery as they are prohibitively expensive at the moment.
Thanks Katy, glad to hear you’ve made the switch ;-)
Thanks too Mrs G, for raising some great points. I’d have to agree that LEDs are a better option (I have them on my bike and they’re great) but unfortunately not so readily available, or as affordable, as CFLs. Until the technology improves I believe CFLs are better (cheaper/greener) – for most people and the environment – than traditional bulbs.
Sure, they’re not a “magic solution”. I can’t comment about their effects on circadian rhythms – I’ve not heard of anyone else having that problem with them although I don’t doubt what you’re saying. The mercury issue is a definite drawback and, as you say, many will likely end up in landfill rather than disposed of in the correct manner. People need to be better informed on that score.
As for the risk of contamination on breaking; in my own experience CFLs don’t break easily – they’re certainly not fragile like incandescent bulbs. As I mentioned in the article, I’ve had one for nearly 12 yrs and have taken it with me when I’ve moved house without it breaking (even when other items have been damaged, as happens when you move!). And let’s not forget that ordinary fluorscent tubes – that many people have in their homes and workplaces – contain far more mercury and are much more fragile.
In conclusion, I’d have to say (IMHO) that LEDs are better for the environment than CFLs, but CFLs are better for the environment than incandscent lightbulbs. And, for that reason, until LED technology improves, I’d still urge people to make the switch to CFLs.