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Ikea Stops Selling Incandescent Light Bulbs In US

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Home decor and furniture company Ikea is no longer stocking or selling incandescent light bulbs in its US stores, instead offering longer-lasting and energy-efficient bulbs.

The retailer began phasing out the sale of the light bulbs in August. Ikea's action comes ahead of federal legislation that would mandate more efficient light bulbs starting in 2012.

The pullout also applies to Ikea stores in Canada. Stores in France and Australia started phasing out the incandescent bulbs last year.

"Eliminating incandescents is just one simple way for Ikea customers to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases," Mike Ward, US Ikea president, said in a statement Tuesday.

Ikea's available lighting options include the compact fluorescent bulb ("CFL"), light-emitting diodes ("LED"), halogen, and solar-powered lamps.

Compact fluorescent bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Ikea, based in Sweden, currently has more than 300 stores in 37 countries.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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