Energy Guzzling Lightbulbs Get Phased Out
By: Katrina Irwin
Updated: February 8, 2012
The lightbulbs you are used to buying may soon be harder to find. A new law went into effect at the beginning of the month, that phases out 100-watt incandescent light bulbs.
They are the bulbs we are used to buying. But sooner or later, you'll have to replace these with more energy efficient ones. "Once the depletion of this stock is gone. It's no longer available. Manufacturing has stopped on this bulb," says Tom Green of Mayer Hardware.
President Bush signed the phase out into law in 2007. The idea is that it will be better for the environment, because the newer compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy.
And this is just the beginning. In 2013, 75-watt bulbs will be phased out and in 2014, 40 and 60 watt bulbs will go.
"I knew about the legislation changing and being such a popular bulb, I aggressively went and bought a lot of lightbulbs," says Green.
At Mayer Hardware in Rochester, there are still plenty of 100-watt bulbs. "It's been pretty crazy the past few weeks, people buying them by the case."
Even though people have been stocking up on these lightbulbs, green doesn't think he's going to run out anytime soon.
"I would think I'd have enough for a year," says Green. But lawmakers and some environmentalists hope people will make the switch sooner. The newer light bulbs use 25% less energy.
"They've got to adapt to the change because it is coming. They are going to be forced to do it," Green adds. He says the light bulb makers are trying to make CFL's s look more like the old ones. But the change is being met with criticism by some customers. CFL's are more expensive and there are concerns about how to dispose of them.
