Let There Be Light.

jambutty · 27-09-2007, 19:05

Hilary Benn has declared that by 2011 all normal old fashioned hot filament light bulbs will be extinct in the UK having been replaced by the new fangled energy saving light bulbs. Thus saving us some 5 million tons of CO2 per year. Or was that 5 billion? (My short term memory is getting worse)

I have no argument with the claim that the LE bulbs use less electricity than the hot filament counterpart because I have proved it with a simple experiment at home. And a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb last about ten times longer than an incandescent type. So they are cost effective to buy and use even if the light isn’t quite as bright.

What bothers me is the cost of the disposal of the LE bulbs.

As I understand it these LE bulbs, like the fluorescent tubes, are coated with phosphor on the inside of the glass and filled with argon and a small bit of mercury. I also understand that you cannot just chuck a fluorescent tube on the tip – it has to be disposed of by a specialist disposal company.

I wonder what the carbon footprint is for that activity and has it been taken into account by all those people advocating that the LE bulbs are the saviour of the planet - at least in part.

Or are we being led up the garden path?

Bonnyboy · 27-09-2007, 19:09

Or are we being led up the garden path?

Was the pun intended ?

grego · 27-09-2007, 19:10

I've just recently had to change two, I just whizzed them in the bin didn't know you had to dispose of them in any other way, certainly dont think its common knowledge if you do.

MargaretR · 27-09-2007, 19:16

Lampman started a thread about this in March - named 'new bulbs'

WillowTheWhisp · 27-09-2007, 19:26

I didn't know you weren't supposed to bin them either. Ours have always been chucked in the bin. My only problem will be the light fittings which take candle bulbs and the energy efficient ones don't fit in.

entwisi · 27-09-2007, 19:32

read the original thread. I believe there is no mercury in them anymore. argon by its very nature is inert, phospor is a natural occurring element as well and not dangerous.

MargaretR · 27-09-2007, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

I didn't know you weren't supposed to bin them either. Ours have always been chucked in the bin. My only problem will be the light fittings which take candle bulbs and the energy efficient ones don't fit in.

there ARE low energy candle bulbs now - only size you cant get are pygmy
Energy Saving Light Bulbs

jambutty · 27-09-2007, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnyboy

Or are we being led up the garden path?

Was the pun intended ?

Drat! I’ve been rumbled.

jambutty · 27-09-2007, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Lampman started a thread about this in March - named 'new bulbs'

Congratulations. I didn’t know that you had become a moderator.

jambutty · 27-09-2007, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

read the original thread. I believe there is no mercury in them anymore. argon by its very nature is inert, phospor is a natural occurring element as well and not dangerous.

Just because something is a natural element doesn’t make it safe entwisi. Uranium is a natural element so would you like some of that in your pocket?

The phosphorous coating inside fluorescent tubes can cause skin problems and then there is the mercury. That’s why fluorescent tubes should not be just chucked on the tip or broken up to fit in the bin.

See http://www.owr.ehnr.state.nc.us/ref/38/37032.htm

WillowTheWhisp · 27-09-2007, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

there ARE low energy candle bulbs now - only size you cant get are pygmy
Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Thanks Margaret. I've not seen those so it's good to know we can replace ours when the ones we've got have gone kaput.

katex · 27-09-2007, 22:06

Recently my thoughtful brother brought me a pack of these new energy saving bulbs .. whilst I appreciate the thought and, yes, am concerned about the planet, the white light is very stark, isn't it ? Reminds me of institutional corridors .. sorry bros. have had to revert back to soft tones.

Not only did they look like curly fry chips, but was informed will not work on dimmer switches.

Now I love my dimmer switches, and the romantic settings that they provide

so until they present me with the aesthetics that 'hot filament' bulbs give me, will give them a miss ta very much.

BERNADETTE · 27-09-2007, 22:14

Who said romance was dead?

MargaretR · 28-09-2007, 05:07

I have copied this-

See energy saving bulbs in a new light
In your mind's eye think of an energy saving bulb, is it bulky and oddly shaped? Maybe giving off a cold, harsh light?

If so, be prepared to think again. There are now more good reasons than ever to buy energy saving lightbulbs. Here are some of the best.

Advances in technology mean that energy saving lightbulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes.

Like standard bulbs, they come in all shapes and sizes
These range from stick shaped bulbs candle shaped varieties, with small or medium screw and bayonet fittings.

The choice really is yours. Nowadays, there are even halogen and dimmable energy saving bulbs on the market.

And thanks to the invention of 'soft tone' bulbs, you can enjoy a warm glow rather than a cold light.

from here
Lightbulbs & fittings - energy efficient lights - Energy Saving Trust

steeljack · 28-09-2007, 05:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I have copied this-

See energy saving bulbs in a new light
In your mind's eye think of an energy saving bulb, is it bulky and oddly shaped? Maybe giving off a cold, harsh light?

If so, be prepared to think again. There are now more good reasons than ever to buy energy saving lightbulbs. Here are some of the best.

Advances in technology mean that energy saving lightbulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes.

Like standard bulbs, they come in all shapes and sizes
These range from stick shaped bulbs candle shaped varieties, with small or medium screw and bayonet fittings.

The choice really is yours. Nowadays, there are even halogen and dimmable energy saving bulbs on the market.

And thanks to the invention of 'soft tone' bulbs, you can enjoy a warm glow rather than a cold light.

from here
Lightbulbs & fittings - energy efficient lights - Energy Saving Trust

yep and 95% are made in China , maybe three plants in Europe and one in North America , what happens when the Chinese switch off the supply .....we will all be sat in the dark ..........World Trade and Globalization ..........bah humbug