Traditional lightbulb switch-off begins

Consumers across the UK have been panic buying 100-watt lightbulbs as a nationwide phase-out begins.

Under new EU legislation, it will be illegal for shops to sell traditional incandescent bulbs from 2012.

Many big name stores, including Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Homebase, have already started phasing out 100-watt bulbs in preparation for the legislation.

Tesco has warned that all its 100w and 75w lightbulbs will be gone within the next fortnight.

Sixty watt bulbs will be the next to go, with phase-out starting next year.

The government estimates that switching the UK to low-energy bulbs will reduce carbon emissions 5 million tonnes a year. That’s almost ten times the amount saved by Peru planting 40 million trees.