By switching to energy efficient light bulbs, including CFLs, you will actually do more good for the environment than if you use standard incandescent bulbs. Why? Because standard incandescent light bulbs burn far more energy, and when this is produced by coal-fired or geothermal power plants, mercury is emitted into the environment during the generation process.

One of the reasons energy efficient light bulbs are good for the environment is because they reduce energy consumption delaying the building of new power plants. This reduces the amount of mercury released from the production of energy from geothermal and fossil fuels (this type of generation accounts for approximately 20% of New Zealand’s total electricity production).

Mercury is an element that occurs naturally in the environment and can be found commonly in areas which have high volcanic and geothermal activity. Other sources of mercury include thermometers, barometers, some batteries (rechargeable and single-use), dental amalgam and even medicine. One CFL contains less than 1% of the mercury in an old thermometer.

Costs and lifetimes of energy efficient light bulbs
While standard incandescent light bulbs cost only around $1, they typically last for only 1,000 hours and use significantly more energy. A good quality compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) costing around $5 should last between 6,000-15,000 hours while an efficient halogen spotlight costing $10 for should last 5,000 hours and a fluorescent tube costing around $9 should last 15,000 hours.

While energy efficient light bulbs are more expensive to buy at the counter, traditional incandescent light bulbs burn far more electricity and they don't last long by comparison. Therefore, buying efficient bulbs saves you money – more than $100 over the lifetime of a 20W CFL replacing a 100W incandescent. You can find all the calculations for this fact on our savings page.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Standard incandescent light bulbs are extremely inefficient, wasting 95% of their energy (electricity) as heat, with only 5% converted into visible light. This makes them a costly option for lighting your home. Replacing them with some of the wide range of new energy efficient CFL or halogen bulbs will help save you money......

Efficient Light Bulbs
Energy efficient light bulbs, including CFLs, are the most environmentally friendly option. By switching to energy efficient light bulbs – including CFLs - you will actually do ......

Save Power
There are a number of ways for you to save energy and power, here are some ......