It costs about 100 times more than an old fashioned one, but a new $50 light bulb is not as crazy as it sounds -- the new bulb can last up to 30 years, is just as bright as the old-fashioned kind, and use a fraction of the electricity.
Well, I suppose since my expected life span is still north of thirty more years, I'm good. But when I'm 80 years old, I might want a few 50 cent bulbs rather than putting the 30-year bulbs in my will.
But let me address some basic reality in a world of $50 light bulbs. People will steal them.
We live in a world based on cheap light bulbs. You have them out on your porch, in your car ports and all around in public areas and outside. All unguarded and unsecured. Who would worry about 50 cent light bulbs? Who would bother stealing 50 cent light bulbs when you can buy them with couch change?
But make them 30-year $50 bulbs and all of a sudden you create a market for stolen light bulbs. Builders would love them since even if they only have 20 years of life yet, what owner will come after them two decades later? How many times will you be willing to replace that porch bulb when it is stolen? If you own an apartment building, expect your tenants to unscrew the bulbs from public areas for their own use. Colleges? Your students will grab bulbs the way they grab toilet paper rolls. Businesses? You think people taking pens and post-its is a problem? Just wait to see how long your 30-year bulbs last. Hey hotels! You'll recall with fondness the days when towels were stolen by guests.
And for your basic destructive hooligans, vandalism becomes much more cost-effective with smashing a few light bulbs and calling it a day.
People, crooks steal copper wiring, brass door fixtures, and metal sewer covers to resell it because they make money doing it. You think stolen super light bulbs won't be sold out of car trunks?
Then we will have to buy shatter-resistant bulb covers with locks to keep the bulbs from being stolen or smashed. How much will that cost? Is it still cheaper in the long run? Don't forget the energy cost of making secured outdoor or public area fixtures!
In theory, the $50 but 30-year light bulb is great. I'm sure the math is very rigorous. In practice? It has problems. Why not let people decide if they believe it is worthwhile to buy a 30-year bulb? Indoors, it might be very appealing while for the outdoors the cheap theft-proof (because they are near-worthless) bulbs are the answer.
Stop deciding for me what is better for me! I just don't trust your ability to think of all the consequences of your "simple" decision.
