Ban the Bulb – Gandhigiri, Greenpeace style!

Greenpeace’s Ban the Bulb campaign has been around for sometime now. The demand for a complete ban on incandecent light bulbs and a switchover to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) has had mixed reactions so far. Though, there is no denying that since 95% of the energy used by an incandescent bulb is wasted as heat making it a hazardous substance and a contributor to climate change, many have raised concern over the fact that CFLs contain mercury vapours.

However, with respect to Climate Change, Greenpeace finds that to be a relatively smaller problem that can be tackled. Mercury is toxic and therefore Governments must implement laws that enforce recycling of CFLs and also push manufacturers to find safer alternatives and phase out the use of mercury. Also, Greenpeace is demanding that the Government implement a take back and safe recycling policy for CFLs.

Consequently, led by Bidhan and aimed at collecting media and people support over the issue, Greenpeace India carried out a silent protest march at Jantar Mantar, six days before the Republic Day. Gandhgiri was used as the tool and a bouquet of flowers was presented to the Power Minister till 26th January requesting him to initiate the phase out of the bulb and banning its use completely.

People from all over Delhi, including students from JNU, School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, etc. participated in the march to ensure that their voices were heard.