A light bulb burned out in my living room. It used to be I just would replace it with a 100 watt incandescent bulb and that was it. Not anymore. What do I replace it with now? My choices are a CFL bulb. Why are they considered a better replacement? Maybe they use less power and last longer, but break one and your house is contaminated with mercury. And you can’t just toss them when they burn out (it takes awhile, but they do). I still don’t know what to do with the couple I used before I realized how bad they are. I have them triple wrapped in my garage.
I think they are still selling halogen bulbs. They give off a nice light and aren’t toxic, but they give off a lot of heat. Could they start a fire? I don’t know.
Then there are the LED bulbs. I think they have become slightly less confusing. In other words they say on the box what they replace. The problem is you can’t tell what kind of light they give off. The last thing I want in my living room is a cold eerie bluish light. Home Depot has some turned on, but you can’t tell what it really looks like surrounded by all the florescent lights in the place.
Buying a light bulb used to be simple. This is progress? Bulbs that are toxic. Bulbs that give off light that is depressing.
So for now, the light is low is my living room. Tomorrow I will go sort through the brave new world of bulbs. This sounds like one of those bad ethnic jokes. How many (you fill in the group) does it take to pick out a light bulb? Sorry, I don’t have a punch line.
What do you think of the light bulb situation? Have you found any that you are happy with?
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6 comments:
I agree that it's gotten complicated and that many of these new bulbs, even when they aren't dangerous, are depressing. Makes me wish I'd stocked up on incandescents back when they were everywhere - their light is friendly.
Monica, exactly, their light was friendly.
But you know something? When electric lights began replacing gaslight, older folks complained that the electrics were much harsher than gas. I think everyone agrees candlelight is the most flattering and romantic light.
Good point, Monica.
I've stocked up on bulbs, so it will be a while before I have to bother. I don't like CFL bulbs at all. I can't see my crocheting as well.
Ellen, smart of you to stock up. Hopefully by the time you run out the bulb people will have mastered making bulbs that give off warm and friendly light.
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