Skip navigation and title
Friends of the Earth

Home > Resource > FAQs > Are energy efficient light bulbs better for the environment?


Grass

Making life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems


Recent questions By subject

Full list of questions


FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Are energy efficient light bulbs better for the environment?

Yes. Energy efficient light bulbs save energy and can also save you money.  

Energy

Replacing ordinary light bulbs with energy efficient ones could reduce electricity consumption by at least 2% (equivalent to one nuclear power station) by 2020.

Cost

They cost more to buy initially than a normal incandescent bulb but in their longer lifetime will save users about £36 per bulb.

See our case study on lighting solutions.

For tips on where to buy energy efficient bulbs try the Energy Saving Trust.

Mercury content

Compact fluorescent bulbs now contain less mercury than they used to.

In summer 2007 the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is implemented – requiring the mercury to be removed and the bulbs recycled.

If you have any other questions about energy efficient light bulbs try our Living Forum.

 

FAQs - frequently asked questions

We've put together some of your most frequent questions, so if there's something you need to know, chances are someone has already asked it. Have a look through the full list to see if you can find what you're looking for.

Our website has over 6,000 pages of information, covering a wide range of topics from biodiversity to pollution so if you can’t find what your looking for try using:



You could also take a look at our forum - which covers green lifestyle issues, local activism and campaigning.


Top

 

Join Friends of the Earth and get the Earth Matters magazine

Last modified
Content: Jun 2007