Lighting accounts for a significant part of electrical use. By choosing the right light for the job, you can reduce your costs and your ecological footprint. This is the topic of this week’s “Change the World Wednesdays” challenge.
Change the World Wednesdays
In most homes there are multiple light bulbs used to light a single area. For example, bathrooms usually have a row of vanity lights … ceiling fans often have three or more light bulbs … and kitchens typically have quite a few lights (over the sink, over the table, over the center of the room, etc.). So, this week, twist off all but one bulb in each area and see if it works for you. If one bulb isn’t enough light, twist on a second … or a third. The idea, here, is to experiment a little, use only the amount of light that is truly necessary, and save a lot. So, twist them off!
OR …
If you’ve already twisted off as many light bulbs as possible, then please write a post about all the easy ways that we can reduce our energy use.
How to Choose the Right Light
First, understand how much light a bulb produces and how much energy it uses. Light is measured in lumens, while electricity is measured in watts. Choose a bulb suited to the task, not one stronger than necessary. Here is a good guide to light bulbs.
Look for energy-efficient bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs are excellent for this, but be aware that they contain mercury.
Make sure your light fixtures are appropriate to the use. ”Uplights” direct light up toward the ceiling: good indirect lighting for a whole room, but poor for reading or other detailed tasks. ”Task lights” have adjustible shades to direct bright light to a specific place: ideal for reading or other tasks, but poor for lighting a whole room. ”Mood lights” are sets of lights that can be dimmed or brightened to light a room for different purposes.
Lighting also affects mood and should suit the uses of a room. Here are some good tips for lighting your home.
Finally, use natural light as much as possible. Sunlight is free and totally Earth-friendly! It also promotes good mental and physical health. And don’t forget good old candlelight for special occasions!
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rewinn 11.18.09 at 9:31 pm
I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it is to do things by natural light, especially after a day in the office with artificial light. Often eyes can adapt, especially if you are doing things that don’t require the precision of reading small print, e.g. cooking or cleaning (…cleaning is very much more relaxing in lower light levels ;-)You may have to change a few things around to get enough light. Mirrors can be your friend!
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