Janice Lindsay
The Globe and Mail
January 5, 2008

Globe and Mail style columnist Janice Lindsay presents an open-eyed review of energy-efficient light bulbs and finds that manufacturers have not solved the ‘colour issues’ that concern users of CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LEDs (light emitting diodes).

She notes that the less energy efficient lighting provided by longtime favourites, incandescent and halogen sources, mimic “sunlight and firelight” and suit not only our decor but our psyche, which is “biologically disposed to find the light cast by the glow of an incandescent light bulb’s heated filament ‘right.'”

Lindsay argues that while CFLs make us tired and depressed – and due to a small mercury content, even present a danger to us when broken, and will not be recycled by stores if returned – LEDs lack diffuseness and shine best when used as light effects for architectural purposes and for illuminating dashboards, small appliances and the underside of cabinets.

This poses a dilemma: how do you conserve energy and maintain the vitality of living and work environments and inner well-being?

Lindsay recommends using CFLs in utility areas and dimming or turning off inefficient lights whenever possible to quadruple their efficiency.

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