Light Bulbs to Feature “Lighting Facts” on Future Packaging
According to the Federal Trade Commission, starting in 2011, consumers will see a new twist on a familiar little box on light bulb packaging.
"Lighting Facts" will be printed on all light bulb packages starting mid-way through next year. Taking on the same format as "Nutrition Facts," the informational box will tell consumers the light bulbs':
- Brightness
- Energy Cost
- Life expectancy
- Appearance (whether the bulb gives off "warm" or "cool" light)
- Wattage
- Mercury Content
Although wattage (a measure of the bulb's energy use) will still be listed, the Lighting Facts will use lumens (a measure of the bulb's actual brightness) to differentiate brightness levels among light bulbs. The decision made by Congress to enforce the use of these new labels is aimed at helping consumers make more informed decisions when choosing between the different type of light bulbs presently available in stores, mainly incandescent, fluorescent, and LED bulbs.
Currently, incandescent bulbs use wattage as an indirect measure of brightness, while LEDs and fluorescent light bulbs use the more accurate (and appropriate) measure of lumens. While the wattage measure is more familiar to consumers, it doesn't prove to be appropriate when trying to compare different light bulbs.
Source: FTC, Gizmodo
