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Worldwide, grid-based electric lighting consumes 19% of total global electricity production.^[1] The energy used to provide the world's light is 1 900 Mt of CO2 per year.^[1] In Africa 60% the energy for lighting and other needs is derived from wood, leading to deforestation.^[2] Combustion-based lighting is also a major cause of respiratory illness,^[3] and generally of poor quality for reading, contributing to illiteracy.^[4] All in all, plenty of reason to seek ways of providing more sustainable lighting everywhere. Certainly electric lighting will be a key part (in addition to Natural lighting).

CFLs or ^W are a popular choice for energy-efficient lighting, and have the advantage that they can be used in regular light fittings.

^W with ^W are slightly more efficient than older fluorescent lights and give a more pleasant light.Most CFLs now come with an electronic ballast ^[5]

^W lighting is becoming increasingly attractive. It is used in remote regions such as Nepal, by the Light Up the World Foundation as a healthier replacement for kerosene lighting. These lights are far sturdier than other types of lighting, especially compared to fluorescent lights.

LVD Electromagnetic induction bulbs or the ^W These relatively new lamps offer dimmable, longer life and half the Watts per lumens than CFLs. ^[6] More information is needed on their performance ^{[verification needed]}

CFL information (should be moved to CFL page)

Toxicity

The mercury levels in fluorescent lights (including CFLs) are now usually considered to be within safe limits. However you should take care not to break them.

Potential problems with fluorescents (including CFLs)

Note that the quality of fluorescents can vary enormously

• light quality (spectrum)
• flickering,
• noise (whining)
• unpredictable life span (too sensitive to shocks, surges?) particularly in some cheaper brands.^{[verification needed]}
  • many CFLs are being installed in circuits that are controlled by dimmers, but not all CFLs are designed to tolerate dimmers, which can cause failures in power generation section of the lamp.^[7] With the growth of dimmable CFLs, this issue is declining.
• Fluorescent bulbs still contain mercury, a hazard material leading to disposal issues, particularly in less developed regions where disposal is not regulated.

Suggested projects

• Compare light quality of different lights. What is the flicker rate of CFL? Are there better quality ones, comparable to the high quality but expensive tri-phoshpor fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts?^{[expansion needed]}
• Start a section on tri-phosphor lighting in the relevant Wikipedia and/or Appropedia article.)^{[expansion needed]}
• Compare the life expectancy of different types of lights - find peer-reviewed studies, if possible. What factors affect life expectancy?^{[expansion needed]} (CFLs sometime don't last as long as expected in my experience, though I've been told by an efficient lighting expert that Phillips and Osram are more reliable than other brands. --Chriswaterguy · talk 19:19, 1 May 2007 (PDT))