A Duke University research study titled Political Ideology Affects Energy-Efficient Attitudes and Choices shows that light bulbs labeled efficient and good for the environment are less likely to be purchased by conservatives.
This research demonstrates how promoting the environment can negatively affect adoption of energy efficiency in the United States because of the political polarization surrounding environmental issues. Study 1 demonstrated that more politically conservative individuals were less in favor of investment in energy-efficient technology than were those who were more politically liberal.
Politically moderate or conservative participants chose more expensive CFL bulbs over less expensive incandescent bulbs with the same frequency when no environmental label was on the package. However when the light bulbs packaging sported a “protect the environment” label conservatives and moderates were less likely to buy the CFL.
The last skirmish in the energy efficient light bulb wars was fought in 2011 when various moves were made by Conservative US Representatives Joe Barton and Michele Bachmann. Conservatives Barton, Bachman and others proposed legislation to stop the implementation of the 2007 Bush-era law passed overwhelmingly by congress that set standards of efficiency for light bulbs.
I don’t find it surprising that this study now shows conservative light bulb dead enders are still fighting on. It reminded me of back in the 1960’s when new cars were first required to have seat belts. One of my uncles was adamant that“no government regulation” would tell him what to do. So he unbolted all the safety belts from his new family car. Just another “common sense” conservative solution for the whole family.
the brightest crayons in the box!
Funny the root of that word…
1.
to prevent injury, decay, waste, or loss of: Conserve your strength for the race.
2.
to use or manage (natural resources) wisely; preserve; save: Conserve the woodlands.
They WANT this legislation. The little tungsten wire in an incandescent bulb is very fragile. The manufacturing losses are high, compared to other bulb technologies – especially LEDs. The industry wants incandescents to go the way of the dodo, but they can’t afford to switch all their production over to a product consumers won’t buy.
Since too few consumers are buying, they can’t reach the scales necessary to bring the price down. Regulation will help them reach the scale that will bring the price down for everyone, enabling us all to save a ton of money while saving energy.
Put a sticker on the item that says, “This product pisses off Liberals!”
No store would be able to keep them in stock, they’d sell so fast.
I’d market to the 70% of the market that isn’t a bunch of idiots trying who think that somehow, they’ll “show” those “libtards” by wasting money for no gain of any kind.
But that’s just me.
I’m more than happy to cater to normal people who are interested in saving money and the planet at the same time. Once that 70% is nearing saturation, then I might start caring about the elusive idiot market, but by then, tech will have emerged that will allow even further savings for the sane person market segment, providing plenty of opportunity to continue focusing on that segment.