Low enegy light bulbs - good idea?

[HJT40]

Low energy light bulbs have been in the news because of the mercury in them and the problems it could cause if they break.

However, I find the lighting not as bright as normal bulbs, how will this affect people with SAD? I actually find the light that these bulbs give out depressing.

Your views...................

[tiggerblue10]

The delayed reaction is a bit annoying. I do find, however that the energy saving ones do get brighter after a while. Or am I imagining it? Lol

Also on the point of any light bulbs, what is the best way to dispose of them?

[Psychick]

I use energy saving bulbs for lights that are on for long periods of time, such as th hallways. Yes, they take a bit to warm up but they certainly do get brighter and do the job I use them for.

I dispose of mine but putting them in the bulb box of the new replacement bulb and then wrapping the box up in paper. I didnt actually know the energy saving ones had mercury in them though.

[tiggerblue10]

Can light bulbs be recycled? The glass must be recycleable as well as the metal bits.

[HJT40]

Especially at this time of year I like to have a good clean light on. I have a strip light in the kitchen and apparently they too have a small amount of mercury in them. The light from that is not very forgiving, but still quite dull.

Roll on the lighter nights!

I don't know if lightbulbs are recycleable as they are made up of metal and glass which normally have to be seperated.

[Aprilis]

The 7 Watt low energy lightbulbs are supposed to be the equivalent of a 40W standard bulb and an 11W low energy bulb the equivalent of a 60W standard bulb.....but they aren't! I think they are too dim and I don't like them. You're right, they are depressing.

[smudge]

Same here Psy - we use them in the hall & on the landing. Always keep the hall light on all night as I'm scared of the dark (yes, even at my age)!

Also use them in the lamps each side of the garage & in the back garden - very good for out there! Yes, there is a slight delay when switching them on, but only for nano seconds.

Don't like the idea of them not being as safe as ordinary light bulbs though - just another little obstacle to overcome!

[figure]

I don't like them either because I find them too dim, and have reverted to regular light bulbs.

[teag1rl]

The UV can also caused aggravation to some types of eczema and other skin conditions, but the government doesn't care.....
re. recycling-I think councils are having to make provisions for this as they must not be disposed of to landfill or, presumably incinerators.

[HJT40]

I guess we should see if they put their money where their mouths are and if the Houses of Parliament have the energy saving light bulbs in and if there is a dim glow coming from Buckingham Palace instead.

I think that these bulbs will cause health issues in both the light they give off and the other reasons mentioned. Although they are a good idea for outside lights.

But what happens to the light fittings we have that won't take the energy saving bulbs? I have a light in the living room with three clear glass shades, that if I could find these bulbs to fit, would look horrendous!

[barryj23]

What you guys need is a biobulb! It will solve all your problems! I get a minor case of SAD every year and I have a few of these around the house, they are fantastic. They are energy saving bulbs but are much brighter than usual bulbs, the effect is meant to be as close as you can get to natural light.