Brussels, 25/08/2010 (Agence Europe) - With the approach of 1 September, when 75-watt incandescent light bulbs will gradually disappear from the market and product information (life time, warm-up time, or average number of times can be switched on/off) will be compulsory on packaging, BEUC, the European Consumers' Organisation, welcomes this step forward in terms of money-saving and protection of the environment, and is already drafting recommendations for further progress on product labelling and environmental performance.
“Both consumers and the environment will benefit from an increased usage of energy-saving light bulbs. However, as consumers are unfamiliar with terms such as Kelvin values or luminous flux, they can only take full advantage of this measure if they are helped to make informed choices based on reliable product information,” said BEUC Director General Monique Goyens, in a press release published on Wednesday 25 August.
BEUC also wants an improved system of disposal of fluorescent bulbs and further reduction in the mercury threshold, from 5mg at present to 1 or 2mg - something that is possible, it points out, with the best available technology. “We call on the authorities to ensure the recycling obligations are fully respected so that people will be able to return used bulbs to the point of sale. A smooth phasing-out of incandescent light bulbs will only be possible with enlightened consumers!” Goyens said.
BEUC welcomes the fact that electricity consumption in Europe will decrease with the second stage of the 2009 EU legislation phasing-out of incandescent light bulbs, 100-watt bulbs having been the first to disappear from shops. The consumers' organisation points out that, over the lifetime of an energy-saving lamp, people would use 6 to 10 incandescent bulbs. Using energy-saving light bulbs can save the average household €166 on their electricity bills in one year, it argues. (A.N./transl.rt)