compact fluorescent bulbs

15 Stories

Incandescent Light Bulbs Get Reprieve—for Now

Congress nixes rule change, but it likely won't matter in the long run

(Newser) - Among the things saved in yesterday's $1 trillion spending bill , you can include the humble incandescent light bulb, reports ABC News . A 2007 energy bill requiring more efficient standards would have effectively phased out the bulbs as of Jan. 1, forcing people to switch to energy-saving fluorescent bulbs (...

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Emit Carcinogens, Scientists Say
 'Green' Bulbs 
 Release Toxins, 
 Carginogens 
in case you missed it
Apr 23, 2011 6:51 AM CDT

'Green' Bulbs Release Toxins, Carginogens

They should not be used near head, says new report out of Germany

(Newser) - Paging Stephen Colbert : There's apparently a new reason to be wary of energy-saving lightbulbs. In a new report, scientists in Germany warn that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) emit carcinogenic chemicals and toxins—including phenol, naphthalene, and styrene—when turned on, resulting in what one scientists describes as "...

How Big Government Actually Helps Innovation
How Big Government
Actually Helps Innovation
OPINION
Mar 11, 2011 1:50 PM CST

How Big Government Actually Helps Innovation

Op-ed: Federal standards have helped technology advance

(Newser) - Last week, Michele Bachmann introduced a bill to repeal the energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs, because, as she said, the “government has no business telling an individual what kind of lightbulb to buy.” She’s not the only conservative politician who’s upset (see here and here )....

Dems Forcing 'Girly' Lightbulbs on Us: Colbert

Why should we have to use these 'pigtail lights'?

(Newser) - Thanks to the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, incandescent lightbulbs will be "effectively banned" by the Democrats come 2012, complained Stephen Colbert last night —and he is not happy about their replacements, the girly-looking compact fluorescent lights that some conservatives have described as looking like pigtails or...

Compact Flourescent Bulbs Die Faster Than Thought
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Die Faster Than Thought
in case you missed it
Jan 22, 2011 7:00 PM CST

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Die Faster Than Thought

California studies say they burn out in 6.3 years, not 9.4

(Newser) - Compact fluorescent light bulbs are promoted as revolutionary power-saving devices—able to produce more light with less juice and last for nearly 10 years. But a review of conservation measures undertaken by California—a state that adopted CFLs more enthusiastically than any other—shows the bulbs to be a little...

Our Innovative Green Lightbulbs Are Made in China

Innovation costs US yet more factory jobs

(Newser) - The Obama administration often argues that promoting green technologies will create new American jobs, but tell that to the 200 guys still working at GE’s last major incandescent light bulb factory in Virginia. The factory is closing this month, thanks to a 2007 law essentially outlawing the old-fashioned bulbs....

Race for Better Light Bulb Heats Up

Philips bids for US government's $10M 'L Prize'

(Newser) - Dutch electronics giant Philips has created an LED light bulb that, if it lives up to its billing, could claim the US government’s coveted “L Prize.” More important, the new bulb could inherit the 60-watt bulb’s throne. The Energy Department is offering $10 million—and a...

Euro Bulb Ban Begins, But Many Take Dim View of CFLs

Consumers stockpile aesthetically pleasing old-school bulbs

(Newser) - Though proponents plug the financial savings and good climate karma of compact fluorescent light bulbs, not everyone thinks the European ban on most incandescent bulbs that kicks in tomorrow is such a bright idea, the New York Times reports. Consumers across the continent are hoarding old-school bulbs, worried over the...

Maine Law Targets CFL Mercury
 Maine Law Targets CFL Mercury 
May 29, 2009 3:09 AM CDT

Maine Law Targets CFL Mercury

Bill will make manufacturers lower mercury content, pay for safe recycling

(Newser) - Maine has become the first state in the nation to tackle the problem of mercury in low-energy light bulbs, the Boston Globe reports. A new state law requires manufacturers to reduce the amount of the toxic metal in the bulbs and pay for the cost of safe recycling, a measure...

Are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Junk?
Are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Junk?
Mar 28, 2009 2:35 PM CDT

Are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Junk?

Buyers complain that some eco-lights last hours, not years

(Newser) - Compact fluorescent light bulbs cost a little more than regular bulbs, but they’re supposed to last for 10,000 hours, cut your electric bill, and, incidentally, help save the planet. But buyers are finding a disturbing number of bulbs that last hours, not years, the New York Times reports....

EU Will Ban Incandescent Bulbs
 EU Will Ban Incandescent Bulbs 
Jun 19, 2008 2:07 PM CDT

EU Will Ban Incandescent Bulbs

Capacity might be only speed bump to quick switch to CFLs

(Newser) - The European Union is set to begin phasing out the incandescent light bulb in favor of compact fluorescent bulb, Der Spiegel reports. The highest-wattage bulbs will go next year; the transition to CFLs—using a fifth of the energy and lasting 10 times longer—should be complete in 2015. 

What's the Next Bright Idea for Light Bulbs?

Two next-generation contenders emerge

(Newser) - Retailers will be banned from selling inefficient incandescent bulbs in 2012, but manufacturers say their bright idea about compact fluorescents came years ago and the industry was heading in that direction anyway. In fact, the coming years will see a wave of more efficient light sources—not only flourescents, but...

Wal-Mart Shops for Green Cred
Wal-Mart Shops for Green Cred
Nov 25, 2007 6:16 AM CST

Wal-Mart Shops for Green Cred

Critics skeptical as mammoth chain donates to eco groups, reduces energy use

(Newser) - Hoping to soften its image, Wal-Mart is going green, the Washington Post reports. The retail giant is now donating to environmental groups, improving its energy efficiency, and creating the first hybrid shipping truck. Yet some critics say it's a mere cover. "Wal-Mart is willing to spread its money wherever...

Actually, It Is Easy Being Green
Actually, It Is Easy Being Green
Aug 16, 2007 5:09 PM CDT

Actually, It Is Easy Being Green

Environmental consciousness and convenience don't have to be opposites. Use these tips to green up your home.

(Newser) - So you're not ready to give up your car for a bicycle to help the Earth. LiveScience suggests 10 baby steps to going green that won't even cramp your style.
  1. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
  2. Purchase Energy Star-rated appliances, electronics, and lighting.
  3. Instead of plastic bags, shop with a reusable
...

The Battle Of the Bulbs
The Battle
Of the Bulbs
Apr 30, 2007 2:00 PM CDT

The Battle Of the Bulbs

Men and women are light-years apart on the merits of compact fluorescents

(Newser) - She's from Venus, he's from Mars when it comes to. . . compact fluorescent light bulbs. Right-thinking men everywhere are boldly buying and screwing the environmentally friendly bulbs into sockets all over the house, the Washington Post reports, while women are, in turn, unscrewing them and going back to incandescent.

15 Stories