We have received the following comments about using energy-efficient lighting equipment:

"Our electric bill [in August 2002] was $19.04 in one of the more expensive electricity markets in the country. We have about every electrically powered device known to commonly reside in an American home and we have a teenager. We do have one of the newer, Energy-star refrigerators but most of our appliances are not high-tech, energy-saving models. Some of our lamps are compact fluorescents but most are the old energy-hog incandescents. Why is our electric bill so low? We use the ‘off' position on the switch when we no longer need the service it provides. Nothing fancy, we just turn things off if we are not benefitting from their use."
(Dudley, a homeowner)

"Energy efficient lighting saves me money. I live in an area with high electric costs. Lights that do not cause trespass avoid annoyed neighbors. Lower night light levels give a more comfortable ambience and allow tenants to enjoy the night sky."
(Mary, an apartment building owner)

"I believe that you should use the amount of light and energy that you need. You shouldn't use more. Your lighting should do the job needed and not intrude on your neighbors. Those people who light up the whole neighborhood are inconsiderate of others."
(Fred, a homeowner)

"I might consider them if they were as cheap and had the same flattering illumination qualities as tungsten. But I won't hold my breath."
(Lee, a homeowner)

"Fluorescent tubes are excellent for shop, garage, and utility areas. The small, Edison-base modern fluorescent bulbs seem to work well in place of regular tungsten filament bulbs - but one has to adjust to the change in color balance. Mainly, I still rely upon the old tungsten bulbs."
(Alfred, a homeowner)

"Despite any effort to legislate [energy efficiency], individual responsibility and the education of individuals is necessary in our free country."
(Jack, a homeowner and dark-sky advocate)

"There needs to be more promotion of energy saving by the government. In Alabama, there used to be a Science, Technology and Energy Division in the Department of Economic and Community Affairs that published books on proper home building and newsletters to promote energy saving. But the federal funding was cut and the program died. As usual the government will wait for the next energy crisis to occur instead of developing a long term energy plan with conservation as an important component."
(William, a homeowner)

"Even though I wasn't entirely satisfied with the first compact fluorescent lights I bought back in '96, they did improve quite a bit between then and 2000."
(Robert, a homeowner)

"We use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent for almost every lamp and fixture in our home. They have come so far that they don't have a ‘different' glow than incandescent fixtures. It's important to do our part, however small."
(Linda, a homeowner)

"Using energy-efficient lighting is imperative. I feel a deep obligation to save energy whenever possible. Using efficient light bulbs and lamps is a necessity in my home. I clearly remember the energy ‘crisis’ in the 1970s and since then have been aware that we must make saving energy an individual responsibility."
(Kathy, a homeowner)

"Many of my lighting fixtures use clear glass, so the bulb is visible. I don't know of any energy-efficient bulbs that are attractive enough to be seen! I use the clear glass light bulbs that my parents used."
(Holly, a homeowner)

"Unfortunately, as a consumer I have no economic incentive to purchase energy-efficient fixtures. The premium for these types of bulbs is usually such that it is very hard to rationalize [buying them] as you are in the aisle of your local hardware store or Wal-mart."
(Darren, a homeowner)

"I have used fluorescent lights in the kitchen, laundry, garage and workshop-playroom areas for several years-starting in the 1950s. I still use incandescent lights in living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms-mostly in reading lamps and overhead fan-light combination fixtures. "
(An anonymous homeowner)

"It's a good idea but how much of our energy budget is consumed by lighting?"
(Barbara, a homeowner)

"I try to use [compact] fluorescent lights in my home, but find they have a dull light [compared to] the traditional light bulb. It is also hard to find them in some stores. I have used one of this type in a living room lamp and it has lasted more then three years, which is almost unbelievable."
(Kevin, a renter)

"I am a person with low vision and sensitivity to bright light due to albinism. I work as a training coordinator for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology. I am very interested in lighting for people with low vision and would like to see some information on your website about this topic. Twenty percent of the people of the United States have low vision, and the incidence increases with age. Lighting for people with low vision can be very difficult. People with low vision need good lighting but are often very sensitive to glare. This is particularly important for people with albinism and cataracts. Many people with low vision and eye diseases also have difficulty accommodating to quick changes in lighting. Therefore lighting in public areas is very important."
(Janice, an apartment owner)

"I've been trying to convert family members to compact fluorescents. They're not great for everything but for general purposes they do just fine. One recent Christmas, I gave all my relatives a compact fluorescent bulb-a unique gift idea, but it will keep their energy costs down and contribute to increased efficiency. Last Christmas with Y2K fast approaching, I bought everyone emergency candles instead."
(Matthew, a renter)

"We waste 2 billion [dollars per year] shining light sideways and into space. The energy wasted adds to global warming and light pollution. Genus Homo evolved under dark night skies and hormones like melatonin depend on a day-night cycle for normal secretion. When [people] began street-lighting 100 years ago, we started on a path that negates 3 million years of normal hormone production. Light prevents melatonin production which effects prolactin, insulin and estrogen levels. Research shows light makes certain skin tumors in rats grow faster than those in darkness. Finnish studies show that totally blind women with no light perception have lower rates of breast cancer. Bad lighting also takes away our view of the night sky, robbing us of a precious natural resource. Good, energy-efficient outdoor lighting uses shielded, full cut-off street and area lighting. It uses low wattage lamps that allow the human pupil to dilate and the eye to see into shadows. [Good lighting] is safe and efficient, not used to advertise or distract a driver's attention from the roadway. Outdoor lighting designers typically design for profits, not for the human eye's capability, nor the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Big oil dictates gas station lighting to promote gas sales and cities do not fight for reasonable gas station canopy lighting. Citizens feel helpless when confronted with light pollution, energy wastes and light trespassing into the windows of homes. This must change [as] our health and quality of life are at stake.”
(Stephen, a "citizen activist")

"Being a theatrical designer, the color of light is very evident to me. I prefer a mixture of lights depending on the room in the house. My bedroom is totally incandescent, the living room and office a mixture of tungsten halogen and fluorescent, and the kitchen mostly fluorescent. My outdoor lighting is either fluorescent or low-voltage halogen and is [on a timer]. As it becomes available I hope to convert more of the house to tungsten halogen as I prefer light that is closer to daylight. "
(Mary, a homeowner and designer)

"I approve of energy-efficient lighting. I feel that the U.S. vastly over-uses lighting, especially at night and in cities, but also in the countryside. I hate having to drive for miles just to see the stars at night. What a waste of energy! What a loss of natural beauty! I can understand that lighting on main roads increases safety, but I HATE the street light that shines into my house! I can't sleep with light shining through my windows! I also hate the yellow tones of incandescent bulbs! I much prefer the whiter or bluer-white light--NOT YELLOW! As an artist, it is difficult to work under lighting that masks or changes the colors that I work with--some of my tasks must necessarily be done via daylight only, so that I can see the true colors of what I am working on at that time."
(An anonymous homeowner and artist)

"Using energy-efficient lighting in industrial, commercial and residential applications is really a moot point [for] overall energy conservation as long as city and highway planers continue the quest of complete outdoor illumination. When the Moon is in eclipse and you can see it being illuminated from the lights of Earth, the hypocrisy becomes evident. And as far as the safety issues of highway lighting, if your windshield is just slightly dirty on the inside the increased amount of glare from high and low pressure sodium lamps greatly decreases the ability to see. A final point, I miss the ability to see the Milky Way."
(Michael, a lighting consultant)

HISTORICAL MATERIALS:

In addition to perspectives we are also collecting historically interesting documents, photos, objects, and other materials pertinent to electric lighting.

As of November 2004 we have received website referrals from several consumers–especially for the website of the International Dark Sky Association. We have also been offered a variety of older bulbs, but could not accept as we already have examples of those bulbs in the collection.

CONSUMER QUESTIONS:

#1 - As a consumer, what do you think have been the most important changes in lighting technology in the past 30 years?

"The promulgation of the myth that the minuscule savings are worth pursuing."
(Lee, a homeowner)

"Color rendition, control of glare and light trespass, and a reduction (albeit small) in light pollution. I am sure light pollution will continue to be a major issue until it has been eradicated though."
(Herb, a homeowner)

"Making efficient lighting nicer to be around by changing the tones of fluorescent and by making incandescents more efficient."
(Mary, a homeowner)

"Dimmers are great and so are motion detectors. But the light bulb that is suppose to last two years will be my favorite, if it truly does last that long."
(Tina, a homeowner)

"The introduction of halogen lighting and low voltage lighting."
(Ken, who "did a product comparison")

"Halogen bulbs. People want more lighting in their homes, especially in accent situations. Undercounter, overcounter and kickspace lighting are almost common-place."
(Susan, a homeowner)

"The creation and implementation of Full Cut-Off outdoor lighting, and the motion activated outdoor lighting system."
(Herb, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#2 - Have you purchased energy-efficient lighting devices for your home? Do you use them at work? Please give us specific examples if possible.

"I have purchased energy-efficient yard lights for the outside of my home. At work energy-efficient lights are used through out the building."
(an anonymous homeowner)

"Yes, ‘SON Agro’ lights for gardening that [produce] different light spectrums that plants need. They almost imitate the sun." [Editor's note-SON is an industry code for high pressure sodium lamps.]
(Terri, hydroponics vegetable farmer)

"I use fluorescent bulbs in lamp sockets for that are connected to timers. They come on and go off at the same time each night. They light seldom used rooms and serve as security."
(Sam, a homeowner)

"Yes, fluorescent lighting and krypton bulbs."
(Marvin, a homeowner)

"Yes, fluorescent lighting in garage and compact fluorescents in table top lamps where quality [of light] and bright light are not an issue."
(Walt, a homeowner)

"We have purchased energy-efficient bulbs for the home but have not been pleased with them. This [type of] bulb is not used in my work area."
(Sallie, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#3 - Give specific examples of instances in which you were satisfied or dissatisfied with energy-efficient lighting technology and explain why. Did the technology meet your expectations?

"I haven't purchased energy-efficient lighting equipment. Most ‘energy-efficient' products cost more and I need to be ‘cost-efficient' for the moment. These products may be cost-efficient over time but my concern is today–this week's shopping bill, not my savings over the next few years."
(Wanda, a renter)

"Mostly satisfied, especially with the brightness and crispness of the light produced by compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs. And, I enjoy the energy saving on our electric bill. Also, since the CF bulbs use less wattage we have been able to hold-off on replacing much of our original knob and tube wiring until we can afford to do it right. I also like how CF bulbs are dimmer when first turned on and then gradually brighten to full illumination. This is especially nice in the baby's room and the bathroom at 3:00 am. One problem with CF bulbs is their general size. Being larger and longer than regular bulbs makes them difficult in fixtures with small shades (such as ceiling fans). Also, each bulb has an equivalent light output to a standard bulb and it is difficult to find any less bright than 60 to 75 watts."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"I like the ability to increase the lumens from a fixture without exceeding the wattage restriction. Main problem with compact fluorescents are the slow climb to maximum output, as compared with incandescents. It is nice to enter a room and turn on the light and have it bright instantly instead of having to wait."
(William, a homeowner)

"We recently purchased compact fluorescents for a friend in Haiti who only gets grid power 3 to 4 hours per day and has a 4-kilowatt inverter with battery backup. Before he got the CFs, lighting was his second largest user of power (behind the refrigerator) and he had to run his generator to make up any shortfalls at $5 per gallon of gas. With his new equipment (CF lights and propane gas refrigerator) he should be able to run on what he gets from the grid and only need the generator as a backup supply. On the other hand, I still have lamps that won't accept a compact fluorescent."
(David, a homeowner and indoor gardener)

"I want dimmable, reflective compact fluorescents to use in incandescent recessed cans. Architects and designers use an enormous number of recessed cans in their residential designs. To be energy efficient, the cans should be able to use CFs that are dimmable and reflective. As of today [July 2002], the consumer has the choice of choosing dimmable or reflective when selecting CFs."
(Deborah, a teacher)

"One of the energy-star circular fluorescent units I installed has a ballast that overheats and shuts down if we run it more than several hours. In another of these units the lamps seemed to have a very short life–much less than advertized. The newest generation of super-compact fluorescent, spiral tube lamps are amazing! Absolutely instant-on and very high lumens per watt."
(an unidentified consumer)

"We are extremely satisfied with the light that is given by these [compact fluorescent] bulbs. We would buy more, but were told that we should not use this type of bulb in our fixtures with dimmer switches in the rest of the house."
(LaDonna, a homeowner)
[Editor's note: LaDonna is correct, regular compact fluorescents cannot be used with dimmer switches. This stems from the basic difference in how discharge lamps and incandescent lamps work. Fluorescent lamps need special circuitry for dimming. CFLs that are made for dimming will state this clearly on the package.]

"I've found conventional fluorescent fixtures troublesome to use. They have sometimes been difficult to use (if you don't plug in the tube 'just so,' it doesn't work right)."
(Marc, a homeowner)

"My priorities are illumination and reliability, and energy efficiency has never been part of my evaluation."
(Paul, a homeowner)

“There is one aspect of lighting that I think is both annoying and dangerous. It is the spread of new car headlights that are touted as brighter and longer-lasting. They might be so, but they are dangerous to oncoming cars. I cannot tell you how many times I have been temporarily blinded by a pair of those headlights coming at me while I was driving. The old headlights, which seem to be aimed lower and are more focused, get the job done just as well and are just fine. The newer ones are a dangerous nuisance and a driving hazard."
(Morris, a homeowner and renter)

"I enjoy the fact that I can keep my lamps on all night. They don't get overheated and will last for years as compared to the regular bulbs."
(Megan, a homeowner)

"The main problem I still have is finding replacements for incandescent bulbs that will fit our existing light fixtures using the existing harps and shade, and finding such lamps at reasonable cost."
(Marvin, a homeowner)

"Halogen bulbs seem to have a longer life span. The low-energy, electronic ballast fluorescent fixtures start better in cold weather and have virtually no hum."
(Susan, a homeowner)

"My experience has shown that the more efficient a fixture becomes the more of them we tend to use, which defeats the purpose. More light does not mean better visibility, it often means the exact opposite by blinding us with glare."
(Herb, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#4 - What convinced you to purchase energy-efficient lighting? (Print ads, packaging, radio, TV, Web, other?)

"I was convinced by the television program, This Old House."
(an anonymous homeowner)

"A human ecology course in college was a great learning experience."
(Mary, a homeowner)

"Utility bills."
(Herb, a homeowner)

"Ads and door-to-door through the Scouts."
(An anonymous homeowner and renter)

"TV and the Web mostly, but some packaging has sold me too"
(Shery, a homeowner)

"A personal recommendation from our son, and the packaging on the product."
(LaDonna, a homeowner)

"The research I did for cheap plant lighting was the main reason we chose CFs over other technology."
(David, a homeowner and indoor gardener)

"Consumer reviews and efficiency studies. I tried a couple, liked them and then started outfitting the whole house. I am willing to spend more money on an up-front purchase if it will save me money in the long run."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"Our family is interested in preserving resources and try new items when they [become] available."
(Sallie, a homeowner)

"Perhaps my own curiosity and interest in lights. I don't really know to what degree ads played a role, likely very little."
(Harvey, a homeowner)

"Greater savings on the electricity bill, less of a load on the electrical grid, lower atmospheric, soil and water pollution."
(Cliff, a homeowner and engineering consultant)

"I received a special General Electric FLB/17 bulb. Anheuser was celebrating an efficiency awareness week and gave them to all employees. Since then I have bought more of these bulbs." [Editor's note-an FLB/17 is one type of compact fluorescent lamp.]
(Megan, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#5 - Have you obtained efficient lamps through a promotional program sponsored by a government agency or an electric utility? If so, please describe the program.

"Long Island Power Authority in New York has energy efficient bulbs and light fixtures."
(an anonymous consumer)

"Massachusetts Electric has had a coupon program with discounts that are significant enough that it caught my attention."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"I have ordered lamps from a utility twice. I don't remember the specifics of the first one but the second time it was through Central Maine Power. I was allowed to order up to six Osram lamps at a below-market price. I believe I even got a better price by ordering a larger number of lamps (up to a maximum of 6)."
(an unidentified consumer)

"We once purchased bulbs through a local charity that were supposed to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, we didn't keep track of them as we changed them out, so we have no idea how long they actually lasted. Obviously, it wasn't a lifetime."
(Tammie, a homeowner)

"At work (about 15 years ago) I was able to replace all of our lights with energy-efficient fluorescents. However when I left, I believe they replaced them with regular fluorescents when [the efficient lamps] burned out. Perhaps they didn't know any better or care."
(Walt, a homeowner)

"Utilities could care less [as this equals] less revenue. The government hasn't got a clue about outdoor lighting."
(Stephen, a "citizen activist")

"The opportunity has been offered by the utility company that supplies my area, but I had no need for the products at the time so I did not participate."
(Cliff, a homeowner and engineering consultant)

"Yes, the local utility did a promotion for [fluorescents] and I bought some. The usual program-a ‘green’ appeal, etc.-with cash savings."
(Harvey, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#6 - Have you replaced entire lighting fixtures in order to use more efficient bulbs? If not, would you consider doing so?

"If it wasn't too expensive, I would consider it."
(Marc, a homeowner)

"We are building a home and are selecting efficient fixtures"
(Deborah, a teacher)

"No. Only if the replacements were needed because the existing fixture failed or the cost of doing [the replacement] was minimal."
(Marvin, a homeowner)

"Yes, outdoor floodlights were replaced."
(Marilyn, a homeowner)

"Yes, I changed my driveway lights to shielded, downcast lighting."
(Stephen, a "citizen activist")

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

#7 - What effect did the Energy Crisis of the 1970s have on your use of lighting?

"I was just a kid then, but the oil embargo helped to shape my outlook to be a generally energy-conscious consumer. It is just habit to conserve when and where I can."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"I grew up during the Energy Crisis of the '70s and it made an impact on me. Since there hasn't been any resolution to the political cause of the crisis I believe in being wise about the energy I use. (I have relatives in California who feel the same way after the [2001] shortages.)"
(David, a homeowner and indoor gardener)

"I turned lights off every time I left a room. That habit has more or less stayed with me."
(Dawn, a homeowner)

"Absolutely none whatsoever. Of course I was around ten then and Mom was always shouting to turn off the lights whether there was a crisis or not."
(Tammie, a homeowner)

"We were told to always turn off lights when we leave the room. I still do this."
(Barb, a renter)

"Even though I was young it instilled in me a need to conserve every aspect of consumer energy that we can. It has made me a life-long ‘switcher-offer’ when I leave a room or building, even restrooms in restaurants and office buildings. I will always remember a bumper sticker my grandfather had: ‘Will the last one out of America please turn out the LIGHTS?!’”
(Morris, a homeowner and renter)

"I was in elementary school during this time, and I remember darkened classrooms and the reality of possibly running out of energy. Today I use energy-efficient lighting whenever possible and turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. I guess all those [Public Service Announcements] in the '70s really got me!"
(Matthew, a renter)

"None, I was not a homeowner then. I did learn to make friends with a number of gas station owners to purchase fuel however."
(Cliff, a homeowner and engineering consultant)

"I was in college at the time of the energy crisis. The biggest effect was to watch when and where I studied (preferring to study during the day by natural light)."
(Al, a homeowner)

"I even used kerosene lighting."
(James, a renter)

"My mom made us turn off lights when not using them and thus helped raise our awareness of the energy issue. It took me years to get used to using 60watt [bulbs] instead of 100watt."
(Herb, a homeowner)

"I don't think [it had any effect], that was so long ago that any residuals have been forgotten. I think the ‘great ice storm’ here in the Northeast three years ago had a lasting effect on me. Running off a 5.5 [kilowatt] generator quickly made a conservationist out of the most skeptical! This was a lesson in applied technology under the most extreme of conditions! Nobody who lived through it will EVER again take electricity from the poles for granted! That is why ALL my bulbs are EFFICIENT now."
(Harvey, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#8 - Some energy-efficient lighting products have become associated with problems such as torchier fires, mercury content, and "light pollution." What concerns (if any) do you have about efficient lighting?

"We are careful with the halogen bulbs under our kitchen cabinets because they are very hot and have actually scorched the cloth cover of our electric mixer."
(LaDonna, a homeowner)

"Mercury content concerns me, however I feel that manufactures are doing a good job of improving the lamps and decreasing the mercury."
(Deborah, a teacher)

"Definitely concerned about light pollution. As lighting costs decrease people will leave the lights on more instead of turning them off. A good example of this is outdoor lighting. Most should simply be turned off when not in use or at least placed on a motion sensor. But a lot of people have gone to 'dusk to dawn' lights."
(William, a homeowner)

"I don't use lights that have a history of being known as fire-hazards. I avoid mercury because it is a known poisonous substance. I hate ‘light pollution,’ as in the over-use of lighting in this country-especially at night, out-of-doors."
(An anonymous homeowner and artist)

"I have concerns about light pollution. Living in the city, you have to go a long way to see the stars and celestial events."
(Ken, who "did a product comparison")

"I'm concerned that lighting do the job it's intended for without causing undesirable problems like headaches, noise, [electro-magnetic fields], fire hazards. I look at the total cost of ownership for me and society. This includes the complete environmental impact from manufacturing, energy use, through disposal."
(Walt, a homeowner)

"Light pollution seems to be an American need. Lamps that contain dangerous and long lasting pollutants really aren't energy-efficient in the long haul."
(Josh, an artist)

"Wattage should be reduced in direct proportion to the efficacy of the new lamp installed. If a 150 watt mercury vapor lamp is replaced with high pressure sodium it should be a 68 watt HPS lamp to maintain the same illumination level. If the luminaire was not Full Cutoff (FCO) and is replaced with FCO, the replacement wattage can drop to 50, thus providing a 300 percent savings with absolutely no drop in the illumination level. Improved lamp efficacy gains nothing when illumination levels are not maintained. Energy efficiency can only work if wattage is dramatically reduced in relation to the difference in lamp efficacy."
(Cliff, a homeowner and engineering consultant)

"In my area more efficient lighting has [resulted in] more lighting. Unfortunately, private citizens and government has not cashed in on the savings but merely used the savings to put in more lighting. This has spawned the extensive use of landscape lighting in many of the developments in our area where people light trees and bushes and the front of their homes. Not something you would have seen 30 years ago."
(Larry, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#9 - Adopting efficient lighting seems to require producers, conveyors, and consumers to think about illumination in new ways. Do you see evidence of new approaches to lighting in society at large? Have you, as a consumer, changed your notions about lighting in your daily life?

"I know concerned people will make the difference and it will trickle. Yes, I am conservative, I do not leave lights on, but it seems we have this habit of going backward instead of going foward"
(Karen, an artist and homeowner)

"Not to an appreciable degree. More education is necessary. Energy has been so cheap in the past that we tended to waste it."
(LaDonna, a homeowner)

"Yes, we need to use natural lighting whenever possible. Bathrooms are a good example. Over the past few decades, baths in houses have been built with no windows. I see that trend changing. I have real concerns about educating children in our schools about turning off lights when not in use. I would like to see school systems control lighting better; ie. room lighting that turns off when no one is in the room. Also, fixtures and lamps need to be replaced. I teach at a high school where the overhead fluorescents are forty years old. There is no money available for replacement, even though the energy savings would likely pay for the new fixtures in a few years."
(Deborah, a teacher)

"Not much. Electricity cost is still too small a part of most people's lives to bother to turn a light off when not needed–let alone actually go out and buy an ‘expensive' new-fangled bulb. I did notice a loss-leader sale of compact fluorescents that sold pretty quickly at [a local] home center last fall and this gave me hope. Commercial [users] have been the quickest to catch on but even they seem too concerned with image and high-tech for [it's own] sake than with using resources in a more sustainable manner. Expensive and relatively inefficient halogen [lamps] still abound and burn out quickly. My neighbors rushed to fill up their homes with various ‘indirect' (read conspicuously consumptive) lighting devices when [this] became the fad five or ten years ago. Life-cycle cost accounting has been part of my life for decades. I am a child of Depression-era parents who made an effort to use the earth gently and leave it better than they found it. Lighting issues are a minuscule part of my life but I believe that life is made up of thousands of every-day choices. I try to make the best choices I can given the circumstances. I do not believe that I will buy another incandescent lamp for everyday use."
(an anonymous consumer)

"There are more and more regulations and municipal ordinances to deal with wasteful mercury vapor lighting and light-polluting fixtures."
(an anonymous consumer)

"No. Personally, I think most consumers (me included) don't really think about lighting much at all. That is, as long as the room lights up when you flip the little switch."
(Tammie, a homeowner)

"No, I don't see any evidence. The only change I’ve personally made is to purchase lower wattage light bulbs. I make a point to walk thru my home and make sure lights not in use are turned off. I also don't use lights when I have enough outside light to see."
(Tina, a homeowner)

"Yes, lighting now is much more varied than the old incandescent bulb in the middle of the room. Rather than one fixture that tries to meet all needs, I have many fixtures-each associated with particular tasks. Plus, lighting can just be, for lack of a better word, cool. Well done lighting can add as much to a house as nice floors and furniture."
(Matthew, a renter)

"I don't think that people are thinking that much about efficient lighting. We are such a disposable society."
(Megan, a homeowner)

"I have come to believe that it takes a great deal of time, money and effort to do a good job retrofitting a home. I don't believe it's really possible to do an excellent job without building from scratch to maximize natural lighting, landscaping, home orientation, etc."
(Walt, a homeowner)

"A few pockets of awareness [exist] but, overall, terrible outdoor lighting continues unabated and is affecting our health, sleep and view of the night sky."
(Stephen, a "citizen activist")

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#10 - Has using energy-efficient light bulbs led you to consider energy issues when you buy other products? Can you give examples?

"No"
(Jack, a homeowner)

"No, unfortunately comsumer advertising does not focus on that."
(LaDonna, a homeowner)

"Somewhat. We bought a programmable thermostat that has saved us 15-20% per winter in heating bills. We needed to do work in our attic and managed to add another R8 of insulation without affecting the cost of the project."   [Editor's note: R-values are a measure of insulation capability.]
(David, a homeowner and indoor gardener)

"Yes, I have been looking for the energy-saver logo on other items such as computers and home appliances. I have also found myself less likely to purchase a battery-operated toy for a child's gift."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"Light bulbs have not led, I would say [it’s] the other way around."
(Marilyn, a homeowner)

"Yes, I'm about to buy a new dishwasher and I'll be sure to buy an efficient one."
(Matthew, a renter)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#11 - In your experience, has the environmental movement helped create demand for efficient lighting? Can you cite any specific examples?

"I believe the financial movement has done more. In the ‘90s people could afford to pay more up-front for the long-term energy efficiency and savings. Now in the ‘00s people are going to be forced to be more energy efficient. Fortunately the prices of energy-efficient products have come way down, and continue to fall."
(Dann, a homeowner)

"It has helped but I'm not sure how much. The increased use of efficient lighting has primarily been driven by economics. The overwhelming majority of people don't make much of a connection between their use of lighting and the quality of their environment. Most people don't even make a connection between their electric bills and their use of lighting!"
(an anonymous consumer)

"Yes! Control of light pollution outdoors has caused manufacturers to develop ‘dark sky friendly' fixtures."
(an anonymous consumer)

"Very little compared to their interest in getting the bad guys."
(Jack, a homeowner)

"In [my] part of the country, the environmental movement has probably hindered the demand for efficient lighting more than anything else."
(Robert, a homeowner)

"No, I think that people are just paying more attention to things all the way around."
(Shery, a homeowner)

"No. In fact, the environmental movement in this area generally makes people mad and react against what their message is, whether [that message] is applicable or not. Too many jobs in this area are provided by mining, logging or use of other natural resources for the environmental movement to be accepted. I think most people would agree that being energy efficient is a good idea, but reaction to the local "granolas" and perceived ‘out of state’ interests who want to tell us how to run our lives without giving us any choice at all precludes any progress toward the goal of energy efficiency."
(Al, a homeowner)

"I feel the emphasis of the environmental movement has not been on lighting. Other issues have been in the forefront."
(Susan, a homeowner)

"No, I do not believe the environmental movement has helped nearly enough. There is not nearly enough awareness in that area yet, but I am trying to change that. I support the National Parks Conservation Association and the Sierra Club along with the Audubon Society in hopes they will in turn provide support to the International Dark-Sky Association to address light pollution.”
(Cliff, a homeowner and engineering consultant)

"To some extent I believe that the background noise or ground-swell of the green movement has contributed, and perhaps more than is given credit. It represents a sort of ‘conscience,’ and those of us [so] inclined anyway bend in that direction."
(Harvey, a homeowner)

"Yes, but it's also made consumers paranoid about other non-problems: oil, trees, wetlands, the ozone hole, etc."
(Paul, a homeowner)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

#12 - Are there questions we should ask that you didn't see on this form? Please be specific, and remember to answer your own question.

"Are consumers aware that light output is measured in lumens or foot-candles and not in watts? Are consumers confused when they shop for replacement bulbs? [Retailers and manufacturers] have done a superb job or displaying various types of lamps to show color output difference, however light output is more difficult to show."
(Deborah, a teacher)

"Do you believe your neighborhood or community is over-illuminated? Can you give a specific example of "light trespass" in your community? Answer: Yes and Yes. Our town manager built a new town hall and had it illuminated like a used car lot! Many neighbors commented on this gross excess and some of the lamps are now turned off most of the time. But the situation is still a bit of a joke about town with those of us who notice such things. A neighbor (who owns a new car lot!) used a few lights left over from some car lot lighting project to light the woods behind his house. About a trillion candela from what I could tell. They were finally removed after neighbors made comments."
(An anonymous consumer)

"You might have asked how light pollution has impacted your life. What it has taken away from you? What are you doing to prevent or reduce it?"
(Herb, a homeowner)

“One thing kept coming to my mind. Lighting was never a big issue, but appliances were and they led me to think about lighting."
(An anonymous homeowner and renter)

"Ask people how their lifestyles contribute to energy-efficiency. Do they shut off a light when not in a room? And yes, I turn off that darn light. I'm always doing it...!"
(Morris, a homeowner and renter)

Go to: Collecting History from Consumers

Thank you to everyone who participated!

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