Europe’s lightbulb phase-out begins
www.FairHome.CO.Uk
by David Masters
August 26, 2009 
Energy saving lightbulbs are set to become the norm across Europe as a continent-wide phase-out of traditional bulbs begins next month.
From 1 September, 100w and frosted lightbulbs will be phased out from shops across Europe. Shops will be able to sell-off current stock, but it will be illegal for them to place new orders for the banned lightbulbs.
The move will save an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2020, because energy efficient lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy.
“We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95% of their energy as heat,” said Dan Norris, British environment minister.
We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs.
“The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis.”
The government estimates that a typical household will save £37 per year on their energy bill by using energy efficient lightbulbs.
What They Are Hoarding in Europe
Before the European Union's ban on incandescent lightbulbs went into effect on September 1, consumers across Europe raided stores to stockpile the familiar bulbs. Under the new rules, retailers can continue to sell what they have in stock but won't be able to buy or import more. The policy forces shoppers to switch to environmentally friendly compact lamps, which use 80% less electricity. But fans of the traditional light argue that the new bulbs don't glow as warmly - and that they cost twice as much.
As written for Time Magazine
by David Masters
August 26, 2009
From 1 September, 100w and frosted lightbulbs will be phased out from shops across Europe. Shops will be able to sell-off current stock, but it will be illegal for them to place new orders for the banned lightbulbs.
The move will save an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2020, because energy efficient lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy.
“We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95% of their energy as heat,” said Dan Norris, British environment minister.
We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs.
“The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis.”
The government estimates that a typical household will save £37 per year on their energy bill by using energy efficient lightbulbs.
What They Are Hoarding in Europe
Before the European Union's ban on incandescent lightbulbs went into effect on September 1, consumers across Europe raided stores to stockpile the familiar bulbs. Under the new rules, retailers can continue to sell what they have in stock but won't be able to buy or import more. The policy forces shoppers to switch to environmentally friendly compact lamps, which use 80% less electricity. But fans of the traditional light argue that the new bulbs don't glow as warmly - and that they cost twice as much.
As written for Time Magazine
