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LED lamps a bright idea

Regarding Doug Clark’s article about the new generation light bulbs, some of his information is misinformed and dangerous. Breaking compact fluorescents (CFLs) releases mercury, lead and other hazardous materials.

EISA 2007 specifies that bulbs meet efficiency standards and bans high-wattage incandescent bulbs. The act was created, with the support of utilities like Avista, to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. Lighting can be 60 percent of the energy used in a building. Changing bulbs is the easiest way to reduce electricity consumption.

Manufacturers have worked hard developing lights that are beautiful, save energy and last longer. The old lamps have a very short life cycle. The new LED lamps can last for over 10 years. For a single 100-watt light bulb to last as long as an LED bulb, you would replace it 53 times. With a CFL, the equivalent is 18 hazardous-waste-filled bulbs in the landfill.

LED is initially more expensive at $40, however the savings on energy and bulbs is $363. We may be forced to change light bulbs, but the choices we’re being given are smart for the environment. Even more important to the average consumer, they’re smart for our wallets.

Ron Wells

Spokane



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