Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Right now, there is one main alternative to incandescent lights. That’s the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). They are much more energy- efficient and last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. There are definitely drawbacks to this technology. For one, they can’t be used in three-way lamps. They also contain mercury, though, as the EPA assures us, it’s “only a small amount.” Also CFL’s generally cannot be easily recycled, though more communities and some retailers are beginning to offer some recycling programs.
Step2
Another choice is LED (light emitting diodes) lighting, though this hasn’t been much of a quality option. LED’s emit a fairly blue-hued light versus the soft white of a standard bulb.
Step3
EcoStory, a small company in Maine, manufactures an LED light that rivals incandescents. Currently for commercial use only, these quality bulbs emit soft white light, have a longer life, and use less energy than normal light bulbs. The only drawback right now is the cost. A typical 50-watt halogen bulb costs $5. A comparable EcoStory LED bulb costs $50. With a life span of 40,000 hours (vs. 1,500 for standard bulbs), however, depending on utility rates, payback can be in a little over one year.
Step4
There’s talk of creating a higher-efficiency incandescent light bulb. They’ll cost more than light bulbs do now, but promise to last for years, offering great energy savings over their lifetime.
Step5
Another option currently in development is the mercury-free CFL. General Electric and other manufacturers are working to perfect this new technology but say it’s at least 5 to 10 years away from production.
Novice 
