Home News Columnists Ken Oxley

Light up? As if we had the choice!

Jan 11 2009 by Ken Oxley, Sunday Sun

HOW many cynical old journalists does it take to change an energy-saving lightbulb? Just one, as it happens but he has to be bullied into it by the European Union.

It seems we’re destined to live in a twilight world following an EU decision to replace conventional 100-watt bulbs with greener alternatives. Already stores are running out of our tried and tested bulbs and stocking shelves with the new ones.

I realise, of course, this makes sense. Conventional bulbs are incredibly inefficient, losing most of the energy they produce through heat. But at least they also do exactly what it says on the tin . . . they give off light. Energy-saving bulbs on the other hand are, frankly, useless.

I have a drawer full of them at home, but after fitting one in the spare room and seeing the pathetic dim glow it produced I decided to leave the rest in their boxes rather than stumble around in semi- darkness.

They say necessity is the mother of invention. That being the case, I’d say it’s absolutely necessary for some one to invent a viable alternative to what we’re being offered.

Saving energy is all very laudable, but a lightbulb’s raison d’etre is to produce light. Replacing bulbs that work with ones that don’t is hardly progress.

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums