Green Your Lighting 

According to a report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a global switch to efficient lighting systems would lessen the world's electricity bill by nearly one-tenth. The carbon dioxide emissions saved by such a switch would, it concludes, dwarf cuts so far achieved by adopting wind and solar power. According to Paul Waide, a senior policy analyst with the IEA and one of the report's authors, "19% of global electricity generation is taken for lighting— that's more than is produced by hydro or nuclear stations, and about the same that's produced from natural gas."

This percentage represents about $55 billion in electricity = output of 100 large power plants = 450 million tons of CO2 and 3 million tons of smog-generating NO and SO2. By saving electricity we can reduce dangerous CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide and high-level nuclear waste. Available below are a number of supportive statistics and tips for transitioning from lighting choices that contribute to global warming to ones that will lessen the impact on our environment.

CFLs (Compact fluorescent light bulbs)

CFL's are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks just like the common incandescent bulbs - not like the fluorescent lighting we associate with factories and schools. CFLs can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used, such as recessed fixtures, table lamps, track lighting, ceiling fixtures and porch lights. 3-way CFLs are also now available for lamps with 3-way settings. Dimmable Compact fluorescent light bulbs are also available for lights using a dimmer switch.

• Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescent light bulbs. A single 18 watt CFL that puts out the same light output as a 75 watt incandescent will save about 570 kWh over its lifetime. At 8 cents per kWh, that equates to a $45 savings.

• It is estimated that a CFL pays for its higher price after about 500 hours of use. CFLs release less heat, not only are they safer, but your cooling bill is less in the summer.

• Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

LED's are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy-efficient. Until recently, LEDs were limited to single-bulb use in applications such as instrument panels, electronics, pen lights and, more recently, strings of indoor and outdoor christmas lights.

• LED light bulbs can reduce energy consumption by 80-90% and last around 100,000 hours. They even light up faster than regular bulbs (which could save your life it there are LEDs in the brake lights of your car).

• Since LEDs do not have a filament, they are not damaged under circumstances when a regular incandescent bulb would be broken. Because they are solid, LED bulbs hold up well to jarring and bumping.

• LED bulbs do not cause heat build-up; they produce 3.4 btu's/hour, compared to 85 for incandescent bulbs.

• Because LED bulbs last for years, energy is saved in maintenance and replacement costs. Many cities in the US are replacing their incandescent traffic lights with LED arrays because the electricity costs can be reduced by 80% or more.