LIGHT BULBS

Development of the incandescent light bulb started in the early 1800's but Thomas Edison is often given the credit for the invention as he produced a longer lasting filament, making the bulb a viable domestic light source.  When our government threatened to ban incandescents, we're not ashamed to admit that we started stocking up.  What is the point in creating a comfortable and aesthetic living space if you are going to ruin it with harsh lighting?  That said, this bulb is a bit of a dinosaur, using only 5-10% of the energy it requires to create light (the rest is lost as heat). 

The guilt of excess energy usage in these dark winter days is starting to catch up with us and our passion for the incandescent.  Fluorescent lighting is changing (especially in Europe where incandescent bulbs are partially banned) and perhaps it's time to take another look.  Most manufacturers (including Philips, GE and Sylvania) now sell fluorescents in different colour spectrums, from cool to warm.  If you're looking for a full spectrum bulb however, you're going to have to go to a specialty store.  In Toronto you can get them from Grassroots or The Big Carrot or purchase them online from this site.  Full spectrum bulbs offer the closest to daylight, provide a great working environment and are excellent for combating seasonal affective disorder.

Still, it may be the 90% of energy lost in heat that give incandescents their uncanny warmth and so we resolve to not abandon them but to use them a little more sparingly.