>This time of year, I’m watching the daffodils and tulips come up and marveling at the way a simple bulb can put forth new growth every year.

The bulbs I’m testing now, however, are the electric kind, not the organic. They are, however, more environmentally friendly than past light bulbs and more user-friendly than early CFLs. I’m reading by the light of a Sylvania halogen Supersaver Light Bulb.

Unlike early energy-saving bulbs, this light bulb resembles the typical lamp bulb and fits nicely in a lamp. It’s bright enough to illuminate my book while using much less energy. It turns on immediately, without the warm-up or flicker of energy-saving bulbs of the distant past. In short, it works. The halogen supersaver bulb uses 43 watts, but provides as much light as a standard incandescent 60 watt bulb.

One strong point in favor of this Sylvania halogen supersaver light bulb is this: it contains no mercury. When it’s done (after 1000 hours of light, according to the package), I can dispose of it easily with no worries about contamination or toxic waste.

In the headline grabbing storm of other legislation (i.e. Health Insurance Reform!), even my eco-conscious readers may have lost sight of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) which will phase out the traditional incandescent light bulb over the next four years in favor more efficient lighting products. The timing of Sylvania’s halogen Supersaver bulb will help consumers replace their older energy-hogging light bulbs with the new style sooner rather than later.

So far, it’s a winner. This bulb looks good, fits my lamp, and provides enough light for me to read my books and see the keyboard of my laptop. It uses less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and it promises to last a long, long time.

If only it grew flowers, too. I guess I’ll leave that to the tulip and daffodil bulbs.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of SYLVANIA and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review (two light bulbs). In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.