A contractor for ConEd, the utility company here, called last Friday offering to come to my home and replace all my light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to assist New York City in its efforts to conserve energy.

“Every bulb in the house?” I asked incredulously.

“Yes, every bulb in the house. And these fluorescent bulbs should last you several years.”

“I already use compact fluorescents at the front door, and in our hallways, but I have full spectrum bulbs in all of our lamps.”

“Well, we can replace those with compact fluorescent bulbs.”

“Fluorescent bulbs aren’t good to read by. Studies show that they’re bad in schools, bad for your eyes. I’m a believer in full-spectrum light for reading.”

“Ma’m. We’re doing this to lower the city’s chances for brown outs and black outs! This is an energy saving measure that will lower your utility bill. And it’s all for free.”

“I understand that, and greatly appreciate it. I want to stop global warming. But I’m not sure I want fluorescent light all over my house.”

“Well, if you don’t like them, you can take them out while we’re over there. We’re going to be on your block Tuesday. I can fax you the literature.”

She was one tough cookie. They’re coming Tuesday. What’s the right thing to do? What would you do? To be continued.