Why don't everyone see the big picture when switching to a CFL lights?

Question

Yes if may only save you a few cents each day. However, if EVERYONE switched it would save thousands of $$'s and cut the wasted use of engergy. I replaced every light bulb that could be safely changed to a CFL and am now using 1/4 the wattage used before. What is the average use of wattage for the lighting for the entire world? A lot I imagine. Imagine cutting it 3/4 less. A huge savings. Try them. Its kind of dim when you first turn it on so don't give up after a few seconds. The longer it is on the brighter it will get. And you can not use them in recessed enclosed light fixtures. The bulbs cost a bit more than regular bulbs but not that much more. And they last up to 8 years. Remember the big picture of a world savings when you think your only gonna save a few cents.

Answer 1

Always remember that these bulbs contain mercury and can be dangerous if broken. They must be disposed of in the hazardous materials section of your disposal site.

Answer 2

Truth is that saving thousands of $$'s is just a drop in the bucket when looking at billions of dollars. The energy saved wouldn't be significant enough to make an impact. And using CFL lights wouldn't cut the entire worlds wattage by 3/4. Not even close. You might want to do more research before you throw uneducated questions out there.

Bottom line is, if you find ways to save energy... other people will just find ways to use that excess energy. Our best bet is to find a way to get away from fossil fuels.

Answer 3

I completely agree with you that people should switch and that they are one of the current best options. I do hope that technology comes up with something better eventually because there is one drawback to the CFL's which is that they add to the waste stream eventually (including trace mercury.)

One reason (per your question of why more people don't switch) is that since the power generation sector in the US has become increasingly privatized and "for profit" there are not as many up-front financial incentives as there used to be for people to switch. Twenty years ago, public utilities offered rebates and governments offered tax rebates to businesses and even private individuals to switch to electronic ballasts, CFL's and other energy-saving technology. Some power companies even gave out CFL's to customers for free! A lot of that has fallen by the wayside since the expansion of deregulation.

Still, as responsible consumers (and to save our own money) we should do what we can to switch to lower watt bulbs, timers and photosensor switches, dimmers and energy-efficient appliances.

The CFL's are so cheap nowadays (I just bought a package of 5 for $7.99) so there is no excuse. Since one CFL will outlast 10 or more regular incandescent A lamps, paying around $1.60 (for one 11 watt CFL) instead of $2.50 (for 10 cheapo 75 watt A-lamps) is a no-brainrer, plus all the cash you'll save on your monthly electric bill.

So, you're absolutely right -- "curly bulbs" rule!

Answer 4

Likely because the bulbs themselves are so much more expensive than conventional bulbs and all they can see is the larger immediate expense and not the savings, or benefit to the environment and energy conservation down the line. Also, in some areas, CFLs are not as readily available as conventional bulbs.

Answer 5

You are right, I have changed my whole house! my question is why don't the business around town turn off their lights at night? I went driving at 3am to take my husband to work one time and it looked like daylight with all business with their lights on, (obviously not open businesses!) Imagine every city in every state across America!!! I think they need to address the problem! I don't think they are using CFL lights!!!