Does anyone remember the incandescent light bulb?
Unfortunately, both have flaws. The incandescent is bad for the environment, and the “energy saving” bulbs have dangerous chemicals in them that can seriously hurt people. You’ve already covered the mercury part, so I won’t get into that. In my opinion, people should stick with the incandescent because if they break, no one has to evacuate the house and open all the windows to air out the mercury. Also, incandescents are more adaptable with their brightness. I have one lamp in my house with the curly energy saver and the light is so intense! And blue! Not very relaxing or comfortable. The whole problem would be solved if people would just turn off the lights at night and in rooms that they are not in. But that’s too hard. Unfortunately, I’m an American, so I don’t think my vote will qualify on your petition.
Of course they’re not going to save the planet, but personally I like the fact that I don’t have to change bulbs as often. Ikea & many Whole Foods Markets take any kind of energy saving bulbs for recycling. And I like them fine. The thing is with mass marketed CFLs, you only get one type of light. I did some research on the web and found some that are cool light, warm light, and mass spectrum. If the bulbs aren’t bright enough, get a higher wattage. As long as the actual bulb wattage (not wattage equivalent) doesn’t exceed the maximum of the socket you’re putting the bulb into, you can actually come out with brighter light. As for the incandescents, look in shops in poorer neighbourhoods. Here in the States, lower income families can’t afford CFLs so those stores (we have 99 cents stores here for example) still sell the regular bulbs.
