Soon we'll all have to give up our incandescent bulbs!

Americans Unaware of Federal Phase-Out of Incandescent Light Bulbs

2/26/2010 5:08:27 PM

by Robyn Griggs Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief

Using compact fluorescent bulbs to save energy is a no-brainer—and 82 percent of Americans are now on board, according to a GE Lighting study.

Starting January 1, 2012, the federal government is bringing the hammer down on incandescent light bulbs. Photo By cmd-p.com/Courtesy Flickr .

Americans’ voluntary switch from incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is a promising step toward smarter energy use—and the inefficient bulbs will get an extra kick out the door come January 1, 2012, when 100-watt incandescent light bulbs will no longer be sold. Under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, America will transition to more energy-efficient lighting, starting in 2012. Every year after that, incandescent light bulbs will see another cut: 75-watt bulbs will be phased out by 2013, and 40- and 60-watt bulbs by 2014.

While this is great news, most Americans are unaware of it; 75 percent of the people surveyed had no idea that the government plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs. Does this mean they’re buying CFLs strictly for their money- and energy-saving benefits? We think so.

Link to this URL: http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/natural-home-living/americans-unaware-of-federal-phaseout-of-incandescent-light-bulbs.aspx

CFL Bulb Disposal
To dispose of your CFL bulbs properly, handle the bulbs carefully and return them to your local transfer station. Alternatively, Home Depot and Ikea retail locations are also equipped to accept and recycleused bulbs.