Should we follow Australia and use energy saving light bulbs only?

Answer 1

Where are some people buying their energy efficient bulbs that they say are so expensive? I buy mine in Wilco where they're less than £2 for a 20watt. As they use only a fith of the amount of the energy of a normal bulb and last much longer, they save you money, not cost you more.

As more and more people switch to energy efficient bulbs, the cost comes down. The cost in Oz will go down very quickly as there'll be a huge surge in numbers of energy-efficient bulbs produced, and as everyone knows, mass production drops prices. If manufacturers make the bulbs in Oz too, that's a lot of new jobs in a green industry.

As far as mercury goes, bulb manufacturers are already researching the next generation of mercury-free bulbs. Personally, I think the greenhouse effect is much more of a problem that the small amounts of mercury in current bulbs.

Answer 2

There is one thing you must understand......the light bulbs that have to be purchased are very expensive. If a house has 10 lightbulbs that need replacing that is at a cost of about $350 AUD to each household.
What about the people who struggle to make ends meet - a very expensive decision by the Australian government. I beleive our Prime Minister John Howard has made a deal with someone to receive some sort of kick back from an idea that I think could have been better thought out - maybe some sort of rebate to customers or reduce the cost of the energy saving light bulbs!

Answer 3

Yes definately, most of the bulbs in my house are energy saving, in the long run they are actually a lot cheaper as well as they last a lot longer. The Government goes on about green issues, but if they introduced this like Australia it would help. I think more people need to think about saving energy. We recycle everything, and have 2 compost bins in our garden. If everyone made a small effort it would make a huge difference.

Answer 4

I am concerned about the problem of hazardous waste. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and the phosphor that coats the inside of the tube may also be toxic. We have to depend on people's willingness to dispose of them properly to avoid the risk of contamination.

Also regular bulbs are mainly a problem in hot weather (OK that's half the year). In cold weather the heat emitted by regular light bulbs indoors contributes to the overall warming of the room and cuts the amount of energy needed for regular heaters.

Light bulbs based on LEDs rather than fluorescent tubes may avoid the hazardous waste problem but so far their color balance is not as pleasing as incandescent or fluorescent lights.

Answer 5

No, what people don't think about is screw-in fluorescent light bulbs(which include electronics) require a lot of energy to make. I doubt if they reduce pollution.

They would also greatly increase the trade deficit since most of the bulbs are made in China.

China doesn't care about environmental laws. One proof of that is Chinese air pollution enters California according to researchers.

Answer 6

stunning question! In answer on your question nonetheless, I too have puzzled if there's a commerce-off. How unfavourable are the bulbs to the ambience whilst they are finally disposed of? in simple terms a factor approximately picking your power saving lightbulbs. i spotted in the shop whilst paying for my ones that diverse manufacturers supply bulbs that use a similar 8W or 11W yet there's a distinction in the intensity of each kind/kind. look on the "Lumens" the bulb is rated at. the better the Lumens, the extra mild you will get on your Wattage and on your funds. I incredibly have 11 of them in my apartment. I now pay 40 € for a 2 month electricity bill and that's with the microwave, washer, computing gadget and tv. maximum of my acquaintances pay some thing like one hundred € or a hundred and twenty €. and because October, i've got no longer had to alter any bulb yet. i think of they are worth it (as long as your electricity supply is nice and additionally you do no longer ought to shop paying for new ones.) what is going to Kenner do for his or her toy ovens that cook dinner using the warmth from an incandescent mild bulb? They make such great devil's nutrition Cake!

Answer 7

We'd save more energy if homes would switch to tankless water heaters than we would changing light bulbs. I LOVE my tankless water heater, saves space and a hefty bit of $$ on the utilities too. The lightbulbs, eh, they gave me a headache with their weird light.

Answer 8

i think this a great move by the australians, if the larger countries like the usa and japan also made this move there will be an estimated 9% reduction in energy usage thus making it more "earth friendly".im glad someone has taken the first step in making this possible.

Answer 9

Don`t they "cost" more to produce than they burn? Somethhing more to it if you ask me. When a government comes up with an idea, that people like yourself say yeah, that`s a good idea, the chances are it`s a con and we are gonner pay. So next time, have a good think. :o)