Light is an integral part of the survival of the human race. Without it, people will be lost, crimes will be widespread, mobility will be limited, and once the sun sets, all will be at a standstill. That’s how important lighting is to everyone. Because of this, the lighting industry has been working day in and out to produce a better lighting solution.
But did you know, another aspect of our lives is being influenced by lighting? It’s our environment, the place where we live, our home. From the fixtures, the bulbs, the power, to the habits that we have, it can all pile up and amount to something big, and if that’s a bad thing, nature will take a big hit.
So, what are the things you need to do to make sure your lights will not leave a bad mark on the environment?
Switch to LED Bulbs
Among others, LED bulbs are by far the most eco-friendly lighting solution. Not only are they incredibly energy-efficient, but they are also long-lasting. Using this kind of bulbs would help lessen energy consumption, and as a result, fewer power plants will be made, lowering the emission of greenhouse gasses.
Although the initial purchase of LEDs is a bit more expensive compared to other types of bulbs, you don’t have to hold back because you’ll see the return on your investment in the long run. LED lighting has a reduced energy consumption of 80% – 90%, and its average life span is around 20,000 to 50,000 hours. Some can even last longer as long as you take care of them properly (maximum of 7-8 hours usage). From that, you’ll see how much saving you can do, not only for your finances but for the environment as well.
Look for Recycles Lighting Fixtures
Aside from the bulbs, you also need to watch out for the fixtures. Using an eco-friendly fixture will make the entirety of your lights better for the environment. So, the next time you go out to buy your lamps, look for a natural, reused, or recycled fixture. You’ll see that even though they’re not your usual pick, you may find attractive designs that might suit your taste.
Do proper disposal
Fluorescents and CFLs contain mercury, and if you throw them out irresponsibly, they will contaminate the environment. So, check your city’s waste management and review the procedures you need to do when throwing out toxic materials.
When it comes to LEDs, they don’t have any traces of mercury in their design. Still, you can look for ways to recycle them instead of just throwing them in the trash, or you can save them, and when you’ve accumulated a lot, you can drop them off in stores like IKEA, Lowes, or Home Depot who have in-store recycling bins for LED lighting.
Use Natural Lighting
During the day, when the sun is at its peak, you don’t have to turn on your lights. The sun already gives you a full spectrum of brightness for free! If you’re planning on remodelling your home, you can add more windows or a skylight for the sun to sip through your home.
Turn off your lights when not in use
One of the reasons for the incredible amount of wasted energy is irresponsible light usage. If you’re using LEDs, but you keep them on even if you don’t need to, you’ll end up invalidating their energy efficiency. That’s something that you don’t want to do! So, make sure every time you leave the room, turn off your lights.
Add Motion Sensor and Dimmers
With dimmers, you can lessen the amount of light you use, especially if it’s unnecessary. Truth be told, you don’t need super bright lights all day long. Sometimes, you just need a bit so you can see where you’re going or what you’re doing. Aside from dimmers, sensors are also an excellent device to help you lessen your energy consumption. They can automatically switch off the lights when there are no people inside the room.
That’s it, if you start living out these tips, you will already help the environment a lot, and once you’re grown accustomed to them, you can take it up a notch! You can try making your eco-friendly bulbs, or you can switch to green power. Just be watchful in whatever you do, and keep in mind that we only have one planet, and it’s a shared responsibility to take care of it.
