With a participant in our midst who had actually studied the
situation, our last discussion group meeting turned to pondering the relative
environmental and economic benefits of various types of light bulbs.
Some favored CFLs (compact fluorescents) as an inexpensive
and long-lasting change from traditional
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| Will it outlast me? |
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) cost much more, but last far longer,
and by far are the most environmentally friendly of the choices. The prices of
LEDs are dropping, and the selection is expanding, so there is little doubt
these will be the choice of the future.
In our home, we're in transition mode. We have invested in
a few LEDs, starting with outdoor holiday lights. We have CFLs in the garage,
some exterior lights, and all our closets. We continue to use up our supply of
incandescent bulbs. When one size is gone we make a spot decision to go with a
CFL or LED.
One participant in the discussion said it mattered little to
him because he had a big supply of the old incandescent bulbs that probably
would last longer than he would--he was loathe to throw them out.
Group members once worried occasionally about outliving
their money in retirement. Now we face another worry--a concern that without
careful planning we may not outlive our light bulbs.
