The State Light Bulb of Texas

Filed in archive General on December 3, 2007

I count myself as a long-time convert to compact fluorescent bulbs - one because they save money for me, and two because they last a long long time so I rarely have to change them. I'm also aware that they are better from an environmental standpoint because they use less energy, as in less electricity, as in less coal being burned. (This despite the presence of mercury inside them, which understandably gives some people the jeebies.)

For all these reasons, it's nice to see politicians trying to push compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) over incandescents. Still, it's kind of funny to see this story on some Texas mayors trying to make the CFL the official state light bulb. They even suggest giving CFLs for Christmas (which I'd be thankful for, given my reluctance to accept another sweater this year).

If you are still using old-fashioned light bulbs, here's an article that lays out the cost savings (including a link to a larger spreadsheet that really gives the details).