illuminating science

A quite exciting move towards energy conservation in Australia today - the government has announced plans to phase out normal, incandescent lightbulbs, and instead require everyone to use fluorescent, energy saving bulbs. These are the white, twisted tube bulbs that have the same type of socket as a normal bulb, but work on the same principals as a fluoro tube.

These bulbs use up to 80% less energy than conventional light bulbs, and since light bulbs contribute about 12% of the energy use in homes, this will have a real impact on the amount of energy we use as a country. It’s not earth shaking (we’re saving 80% of 12% of energy used in homes - but what fraction is home energy out of all used over the entire country?) but it’s a positive step which if nothing else makes a statement. Good move!