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EU May Turn Off Edison's Bulbs

Switch to low-energy bulbs could save $12b a year

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 9, 2008 5:34 AM CST
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(Newser) – The European Union may ban incandescent light bulbs, replacing them with low-energy lighting that would slash 13.2 million tons of carbon emissions and create energy savings equal to taking 11 million European households off the grid, reports the BBC. A new report urges the European parliament to follow the lead of Australia, Canada, and five other countries that are phasing out or limiting traditional bulbs.

The 27 EU states could save $12 billion a year—that's $64 per household—if they switch to fluorescent bulbs and halogen lamps. The low-energy bulb industry would also give the economy a $13 billion boost, the report says. Backers propose Thomas Edison's bright invention be gradually phased out starting next year, and banned altogether by September 2012.

Energy-efficient light bulbs consume between 25% and 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
Energy-efficient light bulbs consume between 25% and 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs.   (PRNewsFoto/OSRAM SYLVANIA)
The traditional light bulb may be on its way out in energy-forward Europe.
The traditional light bulb may be on its way out in energy-forward Europe.   (Feature Photo Service)
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European homes will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, CO2 and money.
- Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Zebraone
Dec 10, 2008 9:43 PM CST
Christo!~~~~ There's nothing that can be done to make things right, without some bloody nerd worrying about the infentismal amount in a flour. bulb!~~~What about the millions of mercury laden thermometers that are broken each year?~~How about the mercury switches that are in YOUR thermostat mounted on the wall? ~~~The list of past hazards is almost endless!~~ Get a life , for christ's sake!!!
Guest
Dec 9, 2008 1:23 AM CST
Yea, where are the enviromaniacs on this one. The story does not tell you that the disposal of these "enviro-friendly" bulbs will contribute to mercury being deposited into landfills all over the place. Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing to try to conserve energy, but don't say "it will save 11 million tons of carbon deposits" BUT will add to the deposit of mercury which is exponentially worse than the carbon.
Guest
Dec 8, 2008 8:17 PM CST
But you need a hazmat team if your compact bulb breaks. Go figure.

Ban could ax 3,000 EU jobs
Reuters

Safety concerns plague low-energy bulbs
The Herald (UK)

Experts back light-bulb ban
Point Carbon

 
greenhouse gases • European Union • CO2 • fluorescent light bulbs • Thomas Edison • low-energy light bulbs • energy conservation

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