ECONOTES : Shedding Light on Compact Bulbs

It’s being called a “get-acquainted” offer by sponsors of Eco Expo: For their March 13-14 exposition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, they are giving away a truckload of energy-efficient light bulbs, a.k.a. compact fluorescents.

Each family attending will get one free compact fluorescent and coupons to purchase four more at $1 each, a substantial savings, because the bulbs average $10 in a retail store, says president Marc Merson.

Compact fluorescents are the darling of the environmental movement. They use one-fourth the energy of incandescents, last up to 15 times longer and save 75% on electric bills.

But Merson thinks the initial price sticker is a stumbling block.

“People have this vague good intention, then get to the store and find they cost 10 times as much as a regular bulb,” he says. “Furthermore, they don’t look familiar.”

Compact fluorescents, which are modernistic sculptured tubes, provide the same lighting quality as traditional incandescents and, for the most part, fit standard fixtures. The giveaway is subsidized by local utility companies and lighting manufacturers, says Merson: “Our goal is to replace every incandescent bulb, starting with Los Angeles and working out to the rest of the world.”

Eco Expo information: (818) 906-2802.