Tuesday, February 20, 2007

In praise of... a bright idea

It's not everyday you hear 'Australian government' and 'environmental responsibility' in a sentence, but bravo to the federal government for announcing that incandescent light bulbs will be phased out in Australia by 2010, to be replaced by energy-efficient bulbs that use 80% less power. Australia is first in the world to do this (California has talked about it). Of course, this is only a small step and I'm sure they'll milk it for all its worth in an increasingly environmentally-sensitive electorate, but nonetheless, a step in the right direction. May there be many more.

UPDATE: It seems I was wrong. Australia was not first. Castro beat us to it.
Series so far: I; II; III; IV; V; VI; VII; VIII; IX; X.

3 comments:

Fred said...

Will there be new systems for disposal of the mercury in these bulbs? ~Fred

Mandy said...

But according to the energy experts I heard on ABC radio (take it for what it is worth), light usage contributes such a small portion of energy consumption that it is not really that significant a move.

If part of a larger plan, then a step in the right direction, but is it really any more than a political stunt?

byron smith said...

Fred - I wasn't aware of the mercury issue.

Mandy - yes, I'd heard this too but was trying for once to begin by looking on the 'bright' side, rather than immediately becoming cynical (my natural reaction).