Socket Survey: Many Don't Know About Light Bulb Phase Out

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) come in many shapes and sizes now. They're energy efficient and save money in the long run. But they contain small amounts of mercury and few recycling programs exist to handle them.

OSRAM SYLVANIA released a new national study today, demonstrating that 78 percent of Americans do not know of the federal legislation to phase out incandescent light bulbs.

The "Socket Survey," is the first study to evaluate the awareness of and attitudes about energy-efficient lighting and the upcoming phase out. According to the poll, although most surveyed were not aware of the legislation that applies to incandescent bulbs:

• 88 percent consider the energy efficiency of their light bulbs before purchase
• 85 percent are aware that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use less energy than incandescents; 77 percent know that CFLs last 10 times longer than incandescents
• 78 percent believe CFLs are less expensive over the lifetime of the bulb
• 76 percent were willing to switch to CFLs in the future
• 21 percent have light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in their homes

The phase-out of the incandescent bulb was established through the 2007 Clean Energy Act. As part of the legislation, new efficiency standards for lighting will make a majority of inefficient light bulbs obsolete by 2014, with mandatory phase outs beginning in 2012.

One-fifth of U.S. energy is consumed by lighting, making the transition to more efficient bulbs paramount. As more bulbs are replaced, however, the waste generated by spent incandescents will continue to grow. Additionally, burnt out CFLs present an immense environmental hazard, as they contain the neurotoxin mercury. Properly disposing of and recycling these bulbs will continue to be a mounting concern as more people purchase and use them.

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