IKEA ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs – a bright idea
CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs have now been widely available on the market for almost a decade but I’m still surprised that they haven’t been more fully embraced by consumers/businesses as a matter of course. The bulbs not only use about 80% less energy but they also last between 5 to 10 times longer than the traditional incandescent light bulb. Many nations have already (or will shortly) ban the sale and import of the old less efficient incandescents including Argentina, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK. Meanwhile in North America we are seeing initiatives phasing out the old technology on a province by province or state by state basis which leads to a much slower progression toward the new technology.
I feel that governments should accelerate the process as the energy savings (and cost savings) for users are far more than moderate and not debatable. Delays have been blamed upon infrastructure costs and impacts on the retail market – but a ban on sales of the old technology would surely benefit the vast majority. I fear that waiting for regional governments to approve such changes one by one could result in incandescents remaining on the market for another decade.
IKEA have just made an announcement which could drive the change by proxy as the company announced they will no longer stock or sell incandescent light bulbs effective immediately making them the first large retailer in this market to take this step. IKEA have blossomed into being the world’s largest retailer of home furnishings with over 300 of their giant stores dotted around the world in addition to their huge online presence. IKEA US President Mike Ward stated:
“IKEA is committed to integrating sustainable practices into our business practices … and [is] constantly looking at ways to help support our customers with everyday environmentally responsible solutions that will improve their lives. Eliminating incandescents is just one simple way for IKEA customers to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases.”
While on the surface this may seem like a simple and fairly small gesture from the retailer I think it sets the bar for what other retailers can do to change the market despite necessary regulation arguably lagging behind. Ideally we’ll witness a domino effect and the idea of using anything other than a CFL bulbs deemed ludicrous in the not too distant future. Domestic and commercial energy use for (standard) lighting stands to reduce electricity use by some 80% not to mention very significant costs savings (estimated at $40 per unit over the life of the bulb) it seems a huge win-win and a great decision by IKEA.
The general feeling is that the CFL is highly hazardous (mercury vapour) and the risk of handling them outweighs the energy benefit. I have also had first hand experience and find the claims of longer life to be inflated.
You better be careful what you wish for!
There is a congressional mandate in place banning sales of regular incandescent light bulbs by the year 2012. Recently however, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is not a safe product in many cases.
Breaking a CFL can cause serious health risks. They contain mercury. This is especially hazardous for small children and pregnant women. They also warn that these light bulbs should never be used over carpeted surfaces because in the event of breakage, the mercury could contaminate the carpet necessitating completely removing portions of the carpet to eliminate the mercury hazards.
The mercury is necessary in the light bulbs to produce the light and currently there is no other option to achieve this. Small amounts of mercury are vaporized upon breakage. It is even common to break a CFL when attempting to screw it into a socket if it is done incorrectly.
In a recently conducted study, researchers broke 65 CFLs. They then tested the air quality and clean-up methods. Their findings were that in many cases immediately after the break (and sometimes even after clean-up) the levels of mercury were as much as 100 times higher than federal guidelines for chronic exposure.
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that can accumulate in the body. If this happens, serious damage to the central nervous system can occur.
The study concluded that if a CFL breaks, children and pets should immediately be removed from the room and the room should be completely ventilated. Vacuums should never be used to clean up a broken fluorescent light bulb. Alternately, stiff paper and tape should be utilized to clean up the small pieces.
CFLs can contain as much as 30 milligrams of mercury. A recent study has estimated that two to four tons of mercury is released into the air each year from these light bulbs.
Because of environmental pressure, compact fluorescent sales are soaring. Over 290 million light bulbs were sold last year, nearly twice the amount sold in 2006. Currently, CFLs make up 20 percent of the United States light bulb market and this number is guaranteed to increase due to the federal mandate banning all incandescent light bulbs starting in 2012.
Some states are now requiring consumers to dispose of compact fluorescents as household hazardous waste. Other states are now prohibiting their disposal in regular trash. Due to the recent studies, some states are beginning to release guidelines for the use of these light bulbs. Vermont is now suggesting that carpeting be removed where breakages have occurred when small children and pregnant women have been present. Massachusetts is also expected to recommend that CFLs not be used in fixtures where breakages are likely to occur and where sensitive people spend time.
Many thanks for your fascinating comments. They are worthy of course, as is the significant energy provided by the bulbs. I hope a logical balance will be found.
The fluorescents are no good for closets, basements, bathrooms and other places where you need to run in for a moment, get what you need, and leave. Fluorescent bulbs take a long time to brighten enough so that you can see adequately – in my kitchen, for example, it takes at least a few minutes for them to give enough light for me to be able to do my work. My sister’s husband recently replaced the fluorescent bulb in the downstairs bathroom with an incandescent for this reason. The alternative was leaving the fluorescent bulb burning all the time – hardly an energy saving! This problem is especially important for those older than 50. People who are younger just don’t get this.