TV's The One Show shines a light on Carl's lightbulb debate
It's a debate which has now raged for years: Which is better – those new energy saving light bulbs or the old-fashioned ones most people grew up with?
The Shropshire Star's assistant editor Carl Jones was in little doubt which side of the fence he was on and will be in the national TV spotlight tonight for a debate about new laws banning older light bulbs.
Just under a year ago, he wrote an article - Why I'm hoarding the 'proper' lightbulbs -arguing that most low-energy bulbs on the market at that time provided an inferior quality of light.
Carl said he did not see why he should be prevented from continuing to use old-style bulbs in some parts of his home if he wished.
The piece sparked a huge response from readers in print and online.
Carl said: "For every person who branded me a Luddite, another supported me, including ex-pats from other parts of Europe.
"Most of my home is lit with low energy bulbs, but if I want to continue using a bright incandescent bulb in a reading lamp until I find a suitable alternative, why should I be legally prevented from doing so? It's no different from choosing to drive gas-guzzling fast cars."
As a result, The One Show's presenter Dan Donnelly and camera team chose the Shropshire Star as the base for a report on the big debate, interviewing Carl and reflecting on the mountain of online comments.
They then recruited six volunteers to take part in a very un-scientific blind test, hoping to show whether it is possible to tell the difference between traditional and energy-saving bulbs.
European Union legislation comes into effect this week, banning shops from ordering new stock of traditional 40-watt lightbulbs.
It is part of an effort to cut energy consumption of all household products.
Instead, customers are being urged to fill their homes with more modern, low-energy alternatives.
* So did Carl choose correctly? The One Show is on BBC1 at 7pm
