Incandescent light bulbs are now largely banned, so one fan spent a paycheck stockpiling 3,500 bulbs he said should last 75 years

Sun, 09/10/2023 - 05:35

Picture of Kevin Szmyd wearing a red shirt, holding a lightbulb with a stockpile of incandescents behind him — 25-year-old Kevin Szmyd has a collection of 3,500 lightbulbs, which he says will last a lifetime.
Amanda Cortina

In August, incandescent bulbs were largely banned in the US and can no longer be sold or made.
The Energy Department says the change will reduce utility bills and carbon emissions.
Ahead of the ban, Kevin Szmyd spent $1,700 on a lifetime supply of incandescent bulbs, about 3,500.

Incandescent light bulbs are essentially now banned in the US, but 25-year-old software developer Kevin Szmyd isn't planning to make the switch to the more energy-efficient LEDs anytime soon.

Ahead of new regulations going into effect, Szmyd built up a collection of about 3,500 of the light bulbs.