According to Julie Scelfo’s article in the New York Times, “Any Other Bright Ideas?” a law that requires light bulbs to be more energy efficient was signed into law on December 19 by President Bush.  While using compact fluorescent light bulbs is more energy efficient, the light they emit is harsh and glaring.  They are also more expensive that incandescent light bulbs.

As a child, I remember my dad was always aware of how much electricity we used.  He always made us turn out lights when we left a room.   If we forgot, he would say, “Just march yourself back in there and turn that light off.”  We were not allowed to turn a light on in the middle of the day.  “Open a window and sit by it if you’re going to read,” he would say.  So when I heard about fluorescent light bulbs, I thought to myself, what a great idea.  I can have my light and save money too.

Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive to purchase initially, but they are supposed to last 6-10 times longer than the incandescent bulbs and they also use 70% less energy. 

I bought several of the bulbs and I have to say I am not especially happy with them.  The light these bulbs emit is not exactly warm and inviting.  The light is too bright and reminded me of the lights at work.  I would prefer to come home to softness and comfort, not that harsh glare.  But I will try to adjust.