It’s not always easy to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Going green is an adjustment and may require a fair bit of investment. However, one straightforward option for living greener and increasing your own comfort is through your lighting. Here are five simple ways to go green with sustainable lighting.
1. Investing in New Bulbs
Depending on the age of your home, you may still be using incandescent or halogen bulbs. Incandescent bulbs especially use up a lot of energy and have a short lifespan, making them one of the less sustainable options on the market right now. We recommend upgrading your home’s lightbulbs to LED or CFL bulbs for long-lasting lights that use up much less energy.
2. Recycling When Necessary
LED bulbs last for a long time, but thankfully, you can typically recycle these bulbs. Many of the materials inside your bulb are recyclable, so to help the environment, it’s a good idea to bring your bulbs to a recycling center.
3. Use Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches are not just a classy addition to a home; they’re one of the best ways to go green with sustainable lighting. Dimming your lights helps create mood lighting and reduces the amount of power you use. However, it’s vital to check your LED bulbs before buying a dimmer because not all are compatible with dimmer switches.
4. Natural Light
One of the best ways to use greener lighting is by taking advantage of sunlight. Opening blinds or curtains to allow sunlight in is not only good for the environment, but it will also save you money on your electrical bills.
5. Turning Off Lights
This sustainable lighting tip is easy to say but not always easy to remember. Turning off your lights when you’re not using them, like when you’re leaving a room or think you’re going to doze off for an afternoon nap, is a vital step to remember. Leaving lights on when we’re not actively using them can add up to hundreds of hours per year of needless energy consumption.