"These are not small bickies, these are big bickies."

So said our esteemed Minister for the Environment yesterday when announcing the eradication of inefficient light bulbs.


The phase out is set to take place over 3 years, which means that 3rd Pea may have no memory of them at all.

Still, I can't help but wonder what we'll use to replace the cartoon light bulb commonly used to represent a bright idea – I’m not sure how well a compact fluorescent conveys the image. I have visions of 3rd Pea asking: "what is that above that cartoon person’s head, daddy?", and me having to explain the whole thing. It’ll be like one of those jokes that should have been funny, but isn't because you had to spend so long explaining it. Small price to pay, I guess.

Halogen lights won’t be included, though, as they are (apparently) more efficient than incandescent bulbs, which is a shame because they are the only source of non-natural light in our apartment and I hate them passionately.

It’s not often I applaud our current government, but I’m totally on board with this one (notwithstanding reservations about halogens and the stupid "bickie" line).

Now, let’s start talking about plastic bags, water saving showerheads, petrol powered vehicles...