The right kind of light

[matthewtrigg]

In Australia at the moment there is a proposal to ban incandescent light bulbs and replace them with compact fluros. Unfortunatly as good as these are they also have problems.

Are their other viable alternatives?

I know of LEDs, but at this point they are very expensive.

It just seems the debate is narrowly focused on energy use and not the broader issues of sustainability.

[Johnny Electriglide]

Compact fluorescents save 75% on energy, and that is very good. They more than pay for themselves. I would rather have the mercury from them trapped in landfills than the powerplants spewing mercury in the soil and water worldwide like they are right now. The reduction in CO2 is very significant where fossil fuel power is used. It is also helpful with reduction in power requirement from wind generators and solar panels. LEDs last even longer and use even less power. Right now they pay for themselves in mostly battery applications, and also in the few household light types that are made, if you think even longer term. Lifestyle changes help tremendously, like doing less at night that requires light or GHG emissions. The night view of the planet is a disgrace of wasteful use of power, from a disgraceful overpopulation of humans.<rockon>