The Wall Street Journal-20080112-Glow Little CFL- Glimmer- Glimmer- Hey There- Don-t Get Dimmer
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Glow Little CFL, Glimmer, Glimmer: Hey There, Don't Get Dimmer
When I spotted the op-ed piece "Bye Bye, Light Bulb" by Brian M. Carney (Jan. 2), I headed for my office so I could comfortably sit and read what Mr. Carney had to say about compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). While I waited for the lights to come on (did I mention I'm trying out compact fluorescents?), it gave me time to think about Congress's inability to make progress on any significant issues such as Social Security or even show a bit of self-discipline by limiting earmark spending. My office still being dim (it's a bit cool up there on winter mornings), I moved to the bathroom, which gave me time to wonder if I could remember anything our elected representatives have done that could be considered somewhat successful. One has to go back a ways, but there was the legislation that mandated low flush volume toilets, intended to limit water usage. I flushed twice and gave thanks that Congress has the time and wisdom to help with the plumbing and lighting of my house.
Stephen W. Struck
Grand Haven, Mich.
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Mr. Carney's rather curmudgeonly attack on the alleged conspiracy by makers of compact fluorescent bulbs is unavailing. Even if CFL bulbs currently cost 10 times the cost of a standard incandescent bulb, they are still more cost effective due to their longevity and lower power consumption. Moreover, as production of CFLs increases, their cost will decline, making them even more economically desirable. That their current market share is only 5% of the total is more likely attributable to their recent arrival on the market in significant quantities (coupled with recent advances in making CFLs with comparable color temperature, size and ability to be dimmed), rather than any sort of consumer rejection of these bulbs. Even if one posits that the current furor over global warming is more hype than reality, replacing incandescents with CFLs still makes good sense.
Edward D. Vaisbort
Glendale, Calif.
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Not too many years ago we were encouraged to turn in our mercury- containing thermometers. Now we are forced to purchase mercury- containing lightbulbs.
Our community has a progressive recycling program, but due to lack of funding, mercury and other hazardous items can be accepted only twice a year. Are we so naive to think that consumers will dispose of these bulbs appropriately? Instead, will they be put in household garbage on their way to landfills?
Do we really have to use this technology? Where are the government and/or industry watchdogs? Will GE and Philips in due time clean up the mercury-contaminated landfills?
Johanna G. Voorhorst
Charlotte, Mich.
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These new bulbs also have that 60 cycle "flicker" that can be debilitating to those who have vision defects related to the "rods and cones" in the eyeball!
John A. Lynch, Jr.
Whitwell, Tenn.
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Here's a pause for thought: My refrigerator light recently burned out, and since it's an unusual design involving ordering a replacement, I have been left with a dark fridge for the past few days -- enough time to appreciate the benefits of having a light to find items quickly. Fridge lights are incandescents, meaning their brief use makes perfect sense: open door, locate, remove (or put in) item, close door. Where is the good to the environment if we have to stand there, fridge door open, while we wait for a CFL to illuminate?
Anne Perrotta
Lille, France
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In a small way, the eventual ban of the incandescent light bulb is another example of "degrees of non-freedom" imposed upon the members of a democratic society.
We are becoming a society in which instead of everything that is not forbidden is allowed, everything that is not allowed is forbidden.
Constantine E. Anagnostopoulos
Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
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Supporting Mr. Carney's fine editorial, the energy savings of new lighting should be challenged. Especially in northern latitudes with summertime daylight until 9 p.m. or so, residential lighting is largely during the heating season. The extra heat from incandescent bulbs thus displaces primary space heating -- chiefly from natural gas and oil furnaces. Much of the additional electricity for lighting is during off-peak and shoulder hours. More efficient lighting and appliances may actually increase the required size of heating plants.
Carson Taylor
Portland, Ore.
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Consumers aren't so smart when it comes to the environment. Characteristically, they make expedient choices. Next time you stay in any hotel, take a look at the light bulbs they use. Do you think their buyers are trying to save money, or spend more for the same product?
Mark Naples
Philadelphia
