Litetronics Neolite Ultra Low Mercury T2

Fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than standard incandescent options, and owner reviews and feedback say the Litetronics Neolite Ultra Low Mercury T2 is the most environmentally friendly compact fluorescent bulb that still delivers bright lighting. This bulb uses lead-free glass and solder, one milligram of mercury (rather than 5 milligrams in similar bulbs) and is packaged in recyclable cardboard. Owner reviews say these bulbs are smaller than many and will fit in most lamps with a standard base. The 23-watt bulb puts out as much light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. They're available in three color temperatures: warm, cool and full spectrum. Florescent bulbs are slower to reach full brightness than incandescent or halogen bulbs and may not be the best choice for stairwells or bathrooms, although reviewers claim the Neolite T2 requires little to no warm-up time. For a bulb that works with dimmers, reviews recommend the Philips Halogena Energy Saver (*Est. $12 for two) as the best halogen light bulb.

Most reviews of fluorescent light bulbs don't focus on the environmental aspect beyond energy savings, ignoring packaging and the amounts of lead and mercury content. The environmental website Grist.org is no better, but its readers are quick to point out the advantages of Litetronics bulbs. The Litetronics Neolite T2 gets an Editor's Choice from a trade publication for facilities managers, but there's no indication whether there was testing or if other competing products were considered for the award.