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Via Slashdot this morning, I read this Fast Company article about CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights).
These things have been around for 20 years or so, and they've always sucked rocks in terms of the quality of the light they put out, so despite their longevity and their energy-saving characteristics, people have tended not to use them. We certainly have never made use of them (though I think our predecessors here at The Real BRH left us one in the basement).
After reading this article, though, I have to say that I think I might give them another look. This article claims that the latest generation of CFLs has finally managed to solve the quality problems and puts out a sufficiently bright, quiet, and aesthetically-pleasing light to rival the garden-variety incandescent bulb. Plus, these bulbs can last for up to 10 years. Just one bulb saves enough electricity over time to light a city of 1.5 million people.
The article is a good read, because it talks about Wal-Mart's decision to get behind these bulbs and to try to convince Americans to stop using incandescents. The mega-retailer came to this decision when they discovered that that could save $6 million per year in electricity bills by switching over to them, and I thought it was an interesting insight into the collision of hardcore mass capitalism with environmental consciousness, resulting in a surprising outcome.
We replaced all the lights in our kitchen with CFLs last year. 240 watts worth of light for 60, and not have to change a bulb for up to ten years? I'll take it. The only thing I notice is that, while they come on instantly, it still takes them a couple of minutes to reach maximum intensity and the color is fine. We still use a number of three-way incandescents; once they find a way to do this with a CFL we'll switch those, and most of the rest of the house (gradually), too.
Posted by Tony [URL] at 08/31/06
Wow...now here's something to think about,eh? I suppose this is just another example of the reality that if you want to make a difference, begin by tinkering around the margins.
Posted by Jack Cluth [URL] at 08/31/06
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