Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Bright Idea?

I decided today to smuggle incandescent light bulbs into Canada once they are officially banned in Canada. It will be my new business venture that will occupy my weekends and make me lots and lots of money.

Although I was a strong supporter of the bulbs as a way to conserve energy, I am beginning to wonder if the new fluorescent bulbs might cause MORE damage to the environment. It seems no one wants to acknowledge that these efficient bulbs contain mercury. The amount may be insignificant in one bulb, but what about 10,000 bulbs? 100,000?

Why don't we have proper disposal facilities for these bulbs? Is it even possible?

Despite manufacturers claims, these new bulbs don't last five years. Many have defects that cause them to burn out or they shatter into shards when accidentally damaged. What about the cheap bulbs from China that give off a burning smell? That can't be too good. What are we supposed to do if a bulb breaks? Will the mercury cause injury? Should I open a window?

So many questions, too little answers. I'm just hoping this ban on good ol' incandescent bulbs is a ploy to pacify the environmentalists which will fall by the wayside before the implementation date.

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