Greener Future:CFL's are probably one of, if not the easiest way you can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Your walking through the garage in the dark, the light bulb burns out, you go to the local store and you buy a CFL to replace it. CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Light bulb, they get as cheap is $2 now a days, they have been proven to last 7 times longer than regular bulbs, and they use LESS energy, which in turn SAVES you MORE money on your electric bill!
Oh, but we ALL know that! Than why are less people purchasing these CFL bulbs? I hardly ever feel so opionated over something but this one is just such a simple act to change; and to save not only energy, but for most people more importantly, save money. CFL sales are plummeting around the U.S., in certain states they are down as much as 50%. It is very puzzling to me, when I think about it, this is all no brainer information. The 2 main things I personally can come up with are that CFL bulbs warrant a slightly higher price tag, which you will save on in the long run on your electric bill, and the fact that people are extremely resistant to change. The second reason simply put, the mass market is unfamiliar with the product and its pros and cons, which can also put the companies to blame slightly because of the lack of marketing.
Green Inc. Reports :
"national sales of the bulbs have declined 25 percent from their peak in 2007, with sales in some regions such as Vermont and parts of Massachusetts declining 35 to 50 percent. Further, he noted, shipments of C.F.L.s ... down 49 percent in 2009 over 2007 levels."
These CFL makers, despite a decades long marketing push, are now worrying that without incentive programs of some sort, they could possibly lose even the small market share they've managed to get a hold of.
Okay so here is what boggles my mind, I completely understand not everyone wants to particpate in the green movement, that goes right along with people's reluctancy to change, but I know that the vast majority of people, if not EVERYOE, wants to save money. In the midst of recession, sales of these CFL bulbs are diving, just at a time when you would think MOST people would be doing anything and everything they could to save themselves some money. It's really unfortunate because it seems over time with everything we have just really abused the thought of instant gratification, other than purchasing something, rather investing into something that will save us money over the long run.
