Old lightbulbs switched off

Old fashioned lightbulbs could be banned to help save the environment.

A group of European countries, including Britain, has decided everyone should be made to use energy efficient bulbs instead.

Low-energy bulbs use less power than traditional ones and last up to 12 times longer.

It's hoped the plan will help to cut dangerous gasses which some people blame for causing climate change.

Low-energy bulbs are a bit more expensive than traditional ones, but experts say in the long-run they can save money because they're using less power.

Bulbs banned in Australia

Europe isn't the first place to announce plans to scrap traditional lightbulbs.

Lightbulbs were invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. Energy efficient bulbs last up to 12 times longer than old fashioned ones. In most homes, lighting accounts for 10 to 15 per cent of the electricity bill.

Australia say's it will get rid of them by 2010. The government there hopes it will help to reduce carbon emissions.