European Industry Wants Ban On Incandescent Lightbulbs

European light-bulb makers said Tuesday they want to phase out the standard incandescent light bulb in eight years, replacing it with more eco-friendly, energy-efficient lamps.

The switch could lead to significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from domestic lighting, and savings of $9.4 billion for European consumers, said the European manufacturers. The group includes General Electric Co., Havells Sylvania, and Philips.

The industry group said manufacturers will have eight years to switch to high-efficiency halogen and compact flourescent lamps and develop high-efficiency incandescent bulbs.


SOURCE:
LiveScience.com

This is good news, and really a very logical decision.

As said, this will not only significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, but will save
billions of dollars for the consumers.


Comments, Opinions?

In my part of the world the ban has already been legislated but we have not reached the starting date. Because the ban on incandescent bulbs has little impact on public behaviour, and achieves a "passive" reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the acceptance is universal. There was not a dicky-bird of opposition from the public.

I have been voluntarily using non-incandescent lighting for some time because I used to try to be a good global citizen.

A few results;
Cheap compact fluorescent bulbs do not last very long - get middle to high cost ones.
Compact fluorescent bulbs are available with different "tones". You can select a "tone" to suit you. You can get "warm" light for bedrooms through to "white" light for work areas etc.
Compact fluorescent bulbs DO save a lot of electricity for the same light output.
Compact fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed using standard dimmers, a special dimmer is needed.

We are seeing a rise in the light output and consumer acceptance of LED lights. These are very energy efficient but are currently fairly expensive. The future should see LED lighting take over as their capability, availablity and price improves.