Green Zeal: renewables and ration packs

There was once a philosophical point made about the needs of man. Similar to hierarchy of Maslow there were set of requirements which every chap needs to sustain his life. The theory is that understanding how said chap fulfils these needs leads to a better understanding of their behaviour.

How does the energy saving light bulbs fit into this? Tenuously, is probably the answer – but you may be the judge of this.

The set of needs are as follows (although not necessarily in this order):
1. Food / water
2. Social influence
3. Sex
4. Sleep
5. Drugs

There are many other desires / needs that we squeeze into these categories – for example we assume the need to accumulate wealth is done in order to eventually increase social influence, and love is only desired in order for sex.

Many people will disagree with all of the above.

Energy saving light bulbs is a tricky requirement to categorise. Bought mainly by those wishing to see green, they arguably fulfil the need for social improvement and influence. We think not. We think that these bulbs are comparable to the need for drugs – the need for the physical or emotional high in the short-term.

The energy saving light bulb is the heroin of the lighting world. It provides a short-term emotional and moral high on the first hit or install. However, once the whole house is complete, the drab haze becomes a confused constant.

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