For years incandescent light bulbs have been the go-to for most consumers. However, there has been a ban on them in the works for almost 20 years. Why? Are they toxic? Faulty? Dangerous even?
It is closer to the description of faulty more than anything. According to the Department of Energy a light bulb is required to emit 45 lumen (a measure of brightness) per watt of electricity. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit only around 15 lumen per watt. In contrast, LED lights average 75 lumen per watt or more making them more efficient.
Now, not all of these types of bulbs will be banned, only the traditional screw on ones for lamps, lights, etc. Some of those excluded from the ban are appliance lamps, including fridge and oven lights, black light, infrared lamps etc. This also does not mean you have to throw all your bulbs away; only the manufacturing of this type will cease.
A bigger question is: what is the real reason for the ban? It is estimated that consumers will save close to $3 billion on their utility bills, and project it will also cut planet-warming carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years.
Therefore, the bulb ban is for our greater good! More energy efficiency equals less toxic emissions and more money in your pocket!
