Since yesterday, September 1st, all the so-called "classic" incandescent bulbs with a power greater than 100W have been withdrawn from the European market. For the other bulbs, this will be done progressively until 2016, see the planing here.

So is this good or bad news for the environment and energy consumption and your bills?

On the 2nd point, the answer is definitely yes! This even if the lighting represents on average only 5 to 10% of the energy bill of households. Yes, provided you know how to choose quality energy saving bulbs! Indeed, all the profitability simulations of light bulbs agree: the profitability of an energy-saving light bulb is achieved over time! If the bulb only lasts a few hundred hours, you will lose money!

Regarding the environment, sorting, collecting and recycling CFLs will have to be done seriously by everyone. The metals, even in small quantities, contained in these bulbs prohibit landfill or incineration! It is a civic responsibility that everyone should, must, embrace.

But by purchasing better quality bulbs (brand) and guarantees you will limit this impact. For information, Megaman bulbs are guaranteed 2 years back manufacturer.

The problem of electromagnetic waves, so-called fluorescent light bulbs, mentioned here and there on the net (but especially wrongly relayed by the mass media who are now mea culpa) is a farce (a fake) linked not to the principle of compact fluorescent bulbs but to the integrated transformer: the led bulbs present exactly the same phenomenon which, in all cases, fades very quickly and above all, any other electrical device using a current transformer presents the same type of phenomenon !!

Finally, for stingy complainers about this measure, know that buying a quality bulb can provide more comfort compared to a conventional bulb (more power, shape, daylight, variables ...) and will make you , eventually, earn money.

Not convinced? Then try our economical and ecological energy saving light bulb calculator.

More:
- Planing the ban on uneconomical light bulbs
- Calculate the profitability of your bulbs (this calculator was mentioned in an article from Le Figaro)
- Controversial debate on electromagnetic waves emitted by economic light bulbs (fake: proofs and videos are on the link).
- Video of electro-magnetic field measurements at home (including light bulbs)
- Test your bulbs yourself with the magnetic field detector