Seth Godin posted a bit pondering why more people do not use compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
After all, they save money, the environment, and time, all at the same time. Godin states "a typical CF bulb saves the user more than $66 over its lifetime", all for the upfront cost of about $2. Now, that's a pretty good return.
We all know about the environmental impact. Less mercury, less greenhouse gases (gas is never a good thing, is it?). I try to be as gentle on the earth as possible.
What about time? CF bulbs last longer. That means less time standing on a stepladder (because I can't reach even with a chair), taking down those hard to remove light fixtures, dusting them (the only time that they do get dusted) and then putting the light fixture up again. What a hassle! I don't know about you but I've got better things to do with my time than change lightbulbs all day (actually all night because that's when they blow).
My only beef with CF bulbs is that finding the proper size to fit my fixtures is a pain. I'm no techie so I can't tell you why there isn't a standard size as there is with regular lightbulbs.
Comments (4)
Not only that, but some utilities will actually reimburse you for the cost of CF bulbs. I recently changed all the bulbs in my apartment to CF and my utility company paid for it.
Now that's a good return!
Posted by Steve | January 3, 2007 1:13 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 13:13
And remember, you can buy them in bulk on Ebay! much cheaper...
Posted by Kenric | January 3, 2007 6:12 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 18:12
i share an apartment with a roommate who refuses to switch because the regular ones are brighter than CF bulbs. i might see if the landlord will make the switch for us one day or talk my roommate into it again.
Posted by sfmoneygal | January 4, 2007 11:13 AM
Posted on January 4, 2007 11:13
I have been making the switch to CFLs one by one. That way I would get used to them.
Posted by DivineMsN | January 7, 2007 6:59 PM
Posted on January 7, 2007 18:59