blog post
yesterday
We have all seen nutrition labels on the food that we buy. Did you know that as of January 1 of this year there are also "nutrition" labels on standard-base LEDs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and incandescents? According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), the newly required information allows consumers to see key bulb characteristics to determine each bulb's brightness, longevity and efficiency. Regardless of where the light bulbs are sold--whether a home center, lighting showroom, supermarket or online--any general service bulb with a medium base is required to have the new label. It does not matter if the bulb is made in the United States or is imported from another country; the Lighting Facts label is mandatory. In a press release about the new label, ALA included a sample label from a CFL with the following information: Brightness, 870 lumens; Estimated Yearly Energy Cost $1.57 (based on 3 hours/day at 11 cents per kWh); Life 5.5 years; Energy Used 13 watts; and Contains Mercury.