About 130 years ago, Thomas Edison of the US invented the light bulb. Edison's bulb has turned night into day ever since. But today, many want to turn the light off.
The European Union (欧盟) recently decided that by 2009, people should stop using the Edison-style light bulb. Instead, they should use Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) (节能灯). "CFLs save energy and last longer. They can save money in the long run." said a British official. CFLs use 67% less electricity than the older bulbs. They last up to 10 times longer. Scientists say that if everyone used CFLs， electricity use would be cut by 18%. There would also be much smaller amounts of greenhouse gases given off.
But it's difficult to make people change their lighting habits. First, the CFLs are more expensive. They cost eight times the price of the older bulbs. Many people don't like the CFL bulb. They find it too bright. You cannot change the light of a CFL, either.
CFLs have been around for several years. However, the older lights still make up about two-thirds of total light bulb sales.
