One of the main alternatives to incandescent lighting is compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. There are many benefits of CFL bulbs, especially when compared to a traditional light bulb. CFL bulbs save energy costs and, as a result, reduce pollution.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are also an option. Individual LEDs do not emit much light, so multiple diodes must be used together to supply the amount of illumination needed in most indoor settings. Although LEDs present a promising alternative to incandescent bulbs, LEDs are not very common or easy to use as indoor lighting at this time. However, there is hope for the future, as there have been some light bulbs launched using LED light, and there is great promise and potential for more LED usage in the future. To encourage the switch to non-incandescent bulbs, many nations have passed regulations to improve incandescent bulbs' energy efficiency or phase them out entirely. The United States, for example, in 2007 passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, which requires all light bulbs that produce 310 to 2600 lumens of light to be 30 percent more efficient beginning in 2012.
