Let there be light. Still, simple, non-sustainable illumination won’t do much good to you or the planet in the long run. This is why staying on the green side of light is a better option than wasting energy on short-term, non-environmentally friendly and potentially even hazardous lighting solutions. To ensure lasting comfort, good health and an eco-friendly lifestyle, consider one of these sustainable and cost-efficient lighting solutions before you go and grab the first lamp or incandescent bulb off the store rack.
Make most of natural light
Chronic lack of natural light can cause serious problems for your eyesight, metabolic processes, immune system and your overall psychological condition. Recent research has shown that people who don’t get enough sunlight often experience bouts of depression, sleep cycles and hormonal changes, which is why you should strive to soak in all the sun you can. Instead of buying new lights or lamps, why not invest in larger windows or skylight? Sunshine is free, it’s endlessly renewable and it’s good for your health – what more could you ask from a simple source of light?
Opt for LEDs instead of traditional bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are neither a cheap nor an efficient source of light in the long run. Thanks to the progress in technology and constantly evolving market of lighting solutions, the number of innovative illumination products is constantly multiplying, LED lights being the most popular one over the past few years. Thanks to their clever engineering and durable material, LED lights don’t heat up like conventional incandescent bulbs and they last longer, and their glow is also optimally suited to regular use at the office and home.
CFLs as game-changer on the market of light
Another convenient substitute for standard incandescent lights, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) last longer than their incandescent counterparts and they are also eco-friendly because they help minimize pollution. On top of that, CFLs will save you some extra cash you’d otherwise spend on your electricity bill, which all should be a reason enough to give them a serious thought when buying new bulbs next time.
Pick the right wall paint
Believe it or not, wall paint contributes a lot to the overall luminosity in a room. While dark and muted tones are known for their light-reducing properties, neutral and light tones reflect more daylight and can make the room brighter and better-suited to reading, writing and computer work. To get the most out of your existing light source, pick white, yellow, light orange and similar wall paint colors – on top of extra light, your rooms will get an extra sense of spaciousness and airiness, so you won’t feel like you’re cooped up in a small, stuffy space for the rest of your lifetime.
High lighting for offices
If you want to make your living area or workspace as luminous as it can get and as conducive to efficient functioning as possible, you should consider getting high bay lights instead of commonplace light options. If placed above eye level, light sources distribute illumination more evenly across the room due to fewer obstacles, which is why most old-school offices, hospitals and schools have fluorescent tubes in place of lamps and chandeliers. Thanks to their recyclable nature, components of fluorescent lamps can be used for a wide range of purposes – for instance, glass tubing can be melted and transformed into new glass items, metal parts can be repurposed and the internal tube coating can be reprocessed and used in production of pigments.
Before you grab just any light or bulb to swap a burnt-out light source, think twice: why not give a green light to the planet, your home or office and have illumination based on long-term energy and replacement savings?
About the Author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is a literature student with a lot of different interests in life. One of her passions is organic makeup and another huge passion are DIY projects and home improvement. Amy is a regular contributor at Smooth Decorator. You can contact Amy on her Facebook page.