… until I read this news article at the barbershop. “Environmental disaster by energy saving light bulbs”. It turns out that somebody forgot to inform the public about recycling these new light bulbs. The bulbs use a relative large amount quicksilver, which is very hazardous for the environment, and indirectly for the brain, the nerve system, liver, and kidneys. More and more consumers have bought the lamb, as Phillip indicates that sales have boosted with 40% over the last year. But without proper recycling information, we are far worse off with the new bulb than by using the old bulb.

The savings bulb is crumbling under its own success. And only NEXT year an informative campaign is started. Today only 40% of the new bulbs is being recycled. And this number in Holland is better than the ones in Belgium or Germany.

I wonder how this turns out for the new lightbulb. The new bulb is the better economic choice. But if the policy still is “the polluter  pays”  then recycle programs have to be initiated, and the saving bulb will probably bump up in price. And with an economic recession on our doorstep, I wonder what the popular choice will be.