It would be interesting to know how much additional co2/carbon it requires to manufacture a CFL with all the necessary components, glass, gases, starter and ballast etc along with the cost of its safe disposal, yes they last longer but is the additional life offset by the co2 produced to manufacture the CFL and to dispose of it. Interestingly we now see Halogen Bulbs in the same shape and style as the old incandescent lamps which I find provide a superior light to the CFLs and use the standard dimmer switch installed in most homes.
I am seeing little saving from a consumption point of view with the CFLs which I have been using for 4 years now, generally where I was using 1 60w or 75watt incandescent bulb I have had to replace them with a 3 light fitting to give a similar light output using 15 watt cfls. I am also finding that the CFLs light output degrades sufficient enough that it needs to be replaced every 2 years which is making it an expensive exercise. At the end of the day I am more interested in my wallet and the effects all this "Going Green" is having on my cost of living.
Those that cannot afford to "Go Green" with solar panels are affected the most as they will pay more for electricity to subsidise those with panels as the Private Electricity suppliers need to keep profits increasing,as demand decreases for grid provided electricity the cost to the consumer will naturally rise.
