Compact Flourescent Lamp and the Environment Essay -- Environmental CF

Compact Flourescent Lamp and the Environment Abstract Technological advances have come a long way since the incandescent light bulb. Today, the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is the most energy efficient light bulb on the market. In the beginning, consumers had resistance toward the CFL. With governmental support in establishing energy-efficient lighting programs, the CFL have been able to stay in the market and improve throughout the years. Introduction With the advances in technology today, we are able to produce a variety of energy-efficient products, one of which is the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). Having come a long way from the energy-absorbing incandescents, CFL is clearly the choice for the future. CFLs potentially could save nonrenewable energy resources and electricity expenses because they are so efficient. When we switch over to the CFL, we no longer have to constantly replace burnt out incandescents because a CFL will last â€Å"10 times [longer than] the average life of the longest-lived incandescents† (Petrowski, 1995). In addition, for only 13 to 15 watts of electricity, the CFL delivers the equivalent light of a 60 or 75 watt incandescent bulb, representing an energy savings of about 80% (Luoma, 1991). Therefore, we no longer have to drill more oil or mine more coal because if these energy efficient lights were installed in all U.S. homes over the next 20 years, â€Å"the savings in energy would equ al the estimated energy content of Alaska’s entire North Slope oil fields† (Miller, 1997). Energy efficient lights could also save U.S. businesses $15-20 billion per year in electricity bills (Miller, 1997). It is evident that the potential benefit for the environment is enormous. Nonetheless... ...rams: Experience and lessons from eight countries. Energy Policy 26:1071-1081. Miller, G. T. Jr. 1997. Environmental Science. 6th ed. New York: Wadsworth. Petrowski, E. M. 1995. A Buyer’s Guide to Light bulbs: New choices can help you create just the right lighting effects in every room- and cut your electricity bill, too. Home Mechanix 46-50. Product announcement. 1999. Long-Life, Energy-Saving Compact: Aero-tech Light Bulb flourescent lamp. Energy User News 24:34-35. Roodman, D.M. 1993. The obsolescent incandescent: replacing the ordinary light bulb with the compact fluorescent camp, CFL. World Watch 6:5-7. Rigdon, J. E. and M. K. Wadman. 1992. New Long-Life Bulbs May Lose Brilliance In a Crowded Market. Wall Street B5. Wald, M. L. 1990. With Bulbs, Light and Price Are the Key Considerations. New York Times 16N.