Usually it's just a handful of bad apples spoiling the basket for everyone else, but in this case, the apples were over half bad. The Australian government was giving away packages containing coupons for 5 free low-energy light globes and a low-flow showerhead, but have now had to cancel the program on discovering that only 46% of the hardware was actually being installed. Where the remainder went is unclear, but in a Newspoll survey, 15% of households admitted they'd applied for multiple sets and hoarded the bulbs. That being the case, the lights will eventually make it into use as the householders need them... eventually. Meanwhile, North America is slated for its warmest winter on record. [GT]
Lightbulb giveaway is switched off
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From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes