What's notable on Earth Day 2011? While technological changes are sweeping the U.S. economy, perhaps the biggest switch for homes comes in lighting. There's a plethora of new, more energy-efficient options.
Today, for instance, companies are debuting light bulbs that may cost more to buy than traditional ones but save money in the long term by using less energy. They're preparing for the U.S. phase-out of Thomas Edison's 131-year-old incandescent, which begins in January with the 100-watt bulb.
The new products include pear-shaped, mercury-free EcoVantage halogens by Philips Lighting that produce the same warm light of old-fashioned bulbs (two-packs, in varying wattage, cost about $3 at The Home Depot). They use incandescent technology but consume 28% less power for the same amount of light. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that it costs $3.50 each year in electricity to run a halogen, compared with $4.80 for Edison's incandescent.
Also new today is an 8.5-watt LED (light-emitting diode) by Lighting Science Group that produces light equal to a 40-watt traditional incandescent. These mercury-free bulbs cost about $22 each on Amazon.com but can last up to 23 years. EPA estimates that LEDs, which are at least 75% more energy-efficient than old-fashioned bulbs, cost $1 annually to use.
FOLLOW Green House on Twitter
"Americans can transform every day into Earth Day by installing LED lighting," Rich Weinberg, the company's chief executive officer, said in announcing his light bulb.
These products are among dozens that have been developed in the past two years to meet the requirements of a 2007 U.S. law that demands light bulbs use at least 25% less energy for the same amount of light. That bipartisan law, signed by President George W. Bush, will phase out Edison's 75-watt bulb in January 2013, and his 60-watt and 40-watt ones in January 2014. It exempts appliance, three-way, colored and 19 other less commonly used incandescents.
Aside from halogens and LEDs, other bulbs meeting the new standards are the curly-Q-shaped compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs, which now come in a variety of light shades. Shoppers can buy dimmable CFLs and even shatter-resistant EcoSmart ones to contain the mercury if the glass breaks. A 60-watt equivalent retails at The Home Deport for about $6, and the 100-watt version for $8. EPA estimates that an Energy Star CFL, which can last 10 years, consumes $1.20 worth of energy each year.
Quite a few companies have announced LED replacements for the traditional 60-watt incandescent — America's best-selling bulb. They include Cree, Lighting Science Group, Royal Philips Electronics and Osram Sylvania.
The Home Depot now sells a 40-watt equivalent EcoSmart LED for about $18, and Lowe's retails a similar LED by Osram Sylvania for about $15. Beginning next month, Lowe's will sell a similar-wattage LED by General Electric.
Most (71%) Americans say they have replaced traditional incandescents in their home with CFLs or LEDs, and 84% say they are "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the alternatives, according to a USA TODAY survey of 1,016 U.S. adults Feb. 15-16.
Wendy Koch has been a reporter and editor at USA TODAY since 1998, covering politics and social issues. She's begun a quest to build the most eco-friendly home her budget allows. She'll share her experience and give you tips for greening your home. More about Wendy