Replacing The Soft, Warm Glow Of The Incandescent Light Bulb

AP/Robert F. Bukaty

Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs are becoming more and more common, as the U.S. moves closer to phasing out the incandescent bulb.

In three short weeks, incandescent light bulbs will begin to be phased out in the U.S. On January 1, 2012, a ban on the import or manufacturing of 100 watt incandescent bulbs goes into effect, though stores will be allowed to sell their remaining stock. But many people are not entirely thrilled with the most common replacement for the incandescent - compact fluorescent light bulbs. Common objections range from the mercury contained in the bulbs, to how long they take to turn on, to the quality of the light they emit. But Donna Leban, a South Burlington-based architect and lighting designer, says there are a lot of great energy efficient lighting options out there, from CFL to halogen to LED.

Are you an incandescent bulb devotee, or have you happily made the switch to more energy efficient bulbs? We have lots of listeners weighing. Continue the discussion below.

Also on the program, the Burlington Mayor's Race is taking shape. The Progressives and Democrats nominate their candidates on Sunday, and we'll get the details from VPR's Kirk Carapezza.

And, recently a few dozen people gathered in a Castleton restaurant over drinks for a lively discussion of nature versus nurture. The event was part of a series called Science Pub, and VPR's Patti Daniels went to check it out.