Not all incandescent lights are being banned.

See here: Wikipedia on banning of incandescent lightbulbs

I just saw a report on the new bulbs having mercury in them. Very little, but now they are concerned about disposal. Am wondering if this means the current design will be changed. So, maybe waiting for another year or two and just changing a few while this problem is sorted out.

I'm not a worrier about this stuff. But interesting in the scheme of things.

The article linked also has good info on the type of bulbs used for different areas/lighting and strength of light needed.

Here is a link that might be useful: CFL Bulbs Have One Hitch

Thank you both for the articles; they were very informative. I can see that I shouldn't worry about the bulbs inside the refrigerator, oven, over the range, and probably not even my piano lamp.

One of those articles suggested going ahead and putting them in my ceiling fan light fixtures. No way, Jose. Clear 40 watt, intermediate base bulbs are part of the DESIGN of the light fixture - those twirly whirly ugly bulbs would mar their beauty. Besides, I haven't see those twirly whirly ugly bulbs in the intermediate base - though no doubt, they're probably available someplace.

DonnaR/CA

Although they're a bit bulkier, there are CFL bulbs that look like normal incandescent bulbs instead of the "twirly whirly". They're also available in floodlight shape, globes, torpedos, fancy candelabras, and with odd-sized bases. At this time CFLs are not recommended for fixtures that vibrate, like ceiling fans and garage door openers, or in enclosed recessed light fixtures. We had problems with CFLs in outdoor fixtures starting up properly and giving less light than they were supposed to when it was very cold.

I certainly hope by 2012 the bulbs cast a more attractive light though - I hate them. We Freecycled about a dozen of them when we moved in, everything but the basement and attic ones. The already-rather-ugly kitchen looked even worse under CFLs, and let's not talk about stumbling into the bathroom first thing in the morning and being presented with your reflection under that weird light. Yeeek.

In my town you are supposed to save CFL bulbs for the hazmat collection day. I don't think most people do though, too much hassle.

Check with your utility company - many of them offer free bulbs or rebates to offset much of the initial cost of the bulbs.

I saw the same report that emagineer saw on proper disposal of those bulbs. I won't be getting them anytime soon. Not until they come up with a better solution anyway.