We thought this post was fitting, given yesterday’s failed vote in the House to roll back energy-saving light-bulb standards. Thomas Edison’s descendants said the great inventor would have been mortified if the country hung on to outdated technology when better bulbs exist. The bulb pictured here is one of Edison’s originals on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Goodbye, incandescents. Hello, CFLs.
The issue is whether or not we should ban incandescents and force everyone to buy CFLs and force out of business anyone producing incandescents. Considering that CFLs contain mercury and their breakage in the home poses a health threat, the consumer should have the right to choose. We need an energy efficient option that is not a health risk.