If electricity was greener

8 – What if… electricity was greener? Energy-saving light bulbs

The energy-saving light bulb, or ‘compact fluorescent lamp’ (CFL) to give it its proper title, may cost more than standard bulbs, but within 500 hours of use it is likely to have paid for itself in energy savings. Typically, CFLs used only 20% of the power of standard bulbs, which is great for the planet as well as the pocket. They now come in a range of colours – including green.