Energy saving lightbulbs and other no-brainers

There's a light in my living room that we had a dimmer switch put on when we moved in, to give the room a little 'ambience' (this was when there wasn't a screaming two year old running around the place). As a committed low-energy bulb fan I've always used them there, but was constantly frustrated by the fact that the bulb flickered when we tried to dim it. As a result we only ever have the light on full or off, which sort of defeats the point.

A friend eventually told me that this was a common problem, and was something to do with the way energy saving lightbulbs are made (please don't post a comment explaining the technology). I just shrugged and decided to put up with it. After all, we hardly use the overhead light in there anyway.

But now it seems my problems are solved. Some bright spark (I had to get that in there somewhere) has brought out the Megaman, the first energy saving lightbulb that works with dimmer switches. Hurray! I'll be going out to buy one, even if the name is excruciating. You can get them at The Green Shop.

So why are energy saving lightbulbs such a no-brainer? Well, to my mind a green no-brainer is something that is environmentally-friendly and saves you time and money, or maybe makes your life easier. Energy saving lightbulbs hardly ever need changing (time), cost less over time cos you buy less of them (money), and are good for the planet too (using 80% less electricity - which saves you money too). Anyone still not using must literally be on another planet.

There are other no-brainers too. Only putting as much water in the kettle as you need - that watched pot really will boil quickly! Using soap instead of plastic-packaged handwash - cheaper, greener, lasts a lot longer so less shopping. And charity shops - if you’re good at rummaging.

There are other things which some people may consider no-brainers but others might not, as they don't hit all the buttons. Composting - lots of free compost, lovely healthy flowers, less going to landfill - but more effort maybe? Walking short distances - cheaper, gets you fit, but is more effort, I admit. Travelling by train - much more pleasant than sitting behind the wheel in my book, but can be more expensive if you don't book ahead. I could go on.

But if you can't face any extra cost or effort, at least an energy saving lightbulb is the place to start. And the politicians will love you for it too.