Are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Really Better?

Jim talked about the ban on incandescent light bulbs and the new compact fluorescent lights (CFL).

House Republicans on Tuesday failed to stop the enactment of new energy-saving standards for light bulbs.

The GOP bill to overturn the standards set to go into effect in January fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The vote was 233-193.

The law requires manufacturers to phase in bulbs that produce the same amount of brightness with less energy.

The practical effect is that most incandescent lights – the iconic bulbs invented by Thomas Edison in 1879 – won't make the grade. Beginning in January, most stores will stop stocking 100-watt bulbs. By 2014, 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt incandescents also will be phased out.

Click here for EPA guidelines on cleaning up broken CFL light bulbs

Click here for recycling information.