Ikea to Begin Phasing Out Incandescent Light Bulbs in U.S. Stores August 1

IKEA will begin voluntarily phasing out incandescent light bulbs in its US stores beginning August 1.  The Swedish company hopes to completely eliminate incandescent bulbs by January 1, 2011.

The aggressive IKEA US store phase out program exemplifies IKEA’s strong commitment to helping their customers live an everyday sustainable life. IKEA will be the first US retailer to completely phase out incandescent light bulbs.

“IKEA is committed to integrating sustainability into all IKEA strategies and practices in the entire product life cycle. We also believe our customers are looking for every day environmentally responsible solutions for themselves. Eliminating incandescents is a simple way to lead the charge for IKEA customers to use energy saving light bulbs, thus reducing energy consumption and reducing the amount of greenhouses gases. It’s a little step with a big impact on our planet,” commented Mike Ward, US IKEA President.

The IKEA phase out will come in advance of the federal legislation that will begin to phase out incandescent light bulbs in 2012. IKEA is taking the lead before this new legislation takes effect.IKEA customers will have a good choice of other effective energy saving bulbs. 

While the compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) is the most popular bulb, IKEA also offers a range of LED lamps which are 70% more efficient than using incandescent bulbs. IKEA Halogen lamps which consume 30% less energy are also a great ‘white light’ alternative.

And beginning fall, 2010, IKEA will offer a halogen bulb which can be used in a standard light socket. This is called a retro-fit halogen bulb.

IKEA also offers solar powered lamps including their SUNNAN desk lamp and their ‘SOLIG’ range of outdoor lights.

Comments

[Amy]

This is fantastic news! I'm so glad to hear another company is being proactive instead of reactive. I am pretty sure Australia doesn't even sell incandescent's anymore, I hope the U.S.A will get to that point! Thanks for the info! *Amy

[CT Solar Installer]

I think I heard that incandescent bulbs won't be able to be sold after 2014 so I think companies are taking steps in the right direction to start phasing them out. Good for Ikea for making stand now!

[Roger]

In Europe you can't buy incandescent light bulbs for over a year now.

[Will G]

Well Roger, you have to give us pokes across the pond some time. Slowly but surely the move to more energy efficient Light Bulbs is happening.