Lights Out For Old Bulbs

There’s something to be said for the "limited time" offer. It somehow adds attractiveness to an item that, were it sitting on the shelf indefinitely, would probably remain, well, out of sight and out of mind. It's thanks to just such an offer that Germans are hoarding incandescent light bulbs, Marketplace reports.

The European Union began phasing out the bulbs Tuesday and will be replacing them with fluorescent versions in an effort to cut energy costs and improve eco-friendliness. The incandescent bulbs use five times more energy than their more energy-efficient counterparts.

But the cost-savings message is being obscured in the German media, the government says, as consumers flock to stores to buy up what's left of the bright bulbs. At least it's a good thing for retailers who say they can't keep enough of the old lights on the shelf.

There's really something to be said for the appeal of a finite good. How else do you think McDonald’s sells all those McRibs?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.