Here's a bright idea: light bulbs that use 75% to 80% less energy.

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) and light-emitting diode bulbs (LED) are quickly becoming the new norm. These newer bulbs have a bright future since the U.S. Government passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires a systematic reduction of inefficient incandescent bulbs, culminating in 2014.

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Currently, CFLs — the spiral-shaped bulbs — are the leading alternative to incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are the longest lasting of them all, but they come at a significantly higher cost compared to CFLs.

For more information about the past, present and future of light bulbs, check out the infographic below, made by Osram Sylvania.

Homepage image courtesy of Flickr, salady