Tag Archives: energy saving light bulbs

 
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Incandescent light bulbs out, saving energy in


More and more countries and states are realizing that saving energy as well as the environment is as easy as changing a light bulb. As energy consumption grows and demand creates a need for alternative energy sources, governments are looking toward the source to solve the problem. Mandating energy-saving light bulbs is becoming the embraced legislation to quickly resolve these energy problems. And the environmental benefits are just one of the many pluses in doing so.

Energy-saving light bulbs are 75 percent more energy efficient than incandescent and last 10 times as long. Installing them cuts down on energy consumption that in turn cuts down on pollution spewed from energy-generating plants. The less energy we consume from traditional energy plants helps the environment and also helps our monthly bills.

Australia is the first country to systematically phase out incandescent bulbs and hopes to do so within the next three years. The goal is, by 2010, to have installed only energy-saving bulbs nationwide and to have eradicated the energy-wasting incandescent ones. The country already has legislation regulating energy consumption for appliances and wants to do the same for lighting. And the reduction of greenhouse gases from less energy consumption is one of the main reasons for mandating restrictions on lights and appliances. Environment Minister Malcolm Turnball told The New York Times, “Electric lighting is a vital part of our lives; globally, it generates emissions equal to 70 percent of those from all the world’s passenger vehicles.”

The European Union is also mulling over legislation to phase out incandescent bulbs. At a recent summit, EU leaders asked the executive branch to think of a two-year plan to introduce the energy-saving bulbs. German Chancellor and summit leader Angela Merkel told the Associated Press, “We need to give people a little time to change all their bulbs. We are not saying they should throw out all bulbs in their house today, but everybody should start thinking about what's in the shops.”

Countries that already have energy-saving light bulb programs include Cuba, Venezuela, and Chile. Cuban President Fidel Castro introduced the bulb program to counter his country's energy shortage. Castro's program influenced Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez to hand out free energy-saving bulbs to his citizens. Chile's bulb changeover is suggested in its new energy-efficiency plan, which calls for the use energy-saving appliances.

In the U.S., states such as New Jersey, Texas, and California are urging bans on the bulbs as well. California hopes to ban sales of incandescents by 2012.

Greenhouse gas emissions from energy producing plants are slowly being cut down by governments' own volitions. The world is realizing that reducing energy use and decreasing harmful pollutants go hand in hand. And regulating simple things like light bulbs make a huge and positive impact.

keeping the earth ever green

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Building green for environmentally conscious homeowners


Green building is gaining a small foothold in American homes. Although mega-mansions and their wealth status are popular in many subdivisions, some environmentally conscious homeowners are no longer satisfied with consuming energy for the sake of showing off. Conserving the environment while making a home more energy-efficient, using alternative energy sources, as well as building with reclaimed materials is gaining in popularity. And now some states even help the greening of homes by offering attractive tax credits and incentives that offset some of the costs of materials and installations. Creating or restoring a home into a clean-energy-efficient one also creates less of a dent in owners' wallets each month. This perk, along with creating less of a carbon footprint, are enough of an incentive for owners who have already gone green.

Reclaimed building materials
Buildings, houses, and barns are demolished everyday, and many of the materials used for these buildings are still perfectly good to use. Second-hand goods are cheaper in every market and, by reusing these goods, it also keeps them out of landfills and creates less destruction of nature for manufacturing. Reusing building materials such as bricks, tiles, and flooring is an attractive way to help your home become green. And, in turn, home restorers can also recycle their old materials. There are companies that specialize in recycling and reclaiming building materials from demolished or renovated residences.

Solar power
With energy costs creeping higher and higher and energy resources dwindling, alternative and clean energy sources are gaining a small momentum with homeowners and businesses. Certain states such as California, New Jersey, and New York offer rebates and excess-energy buyback programs that, along with federal tax credits, can offset the cost and installation of solar panels. Depending on the state and program, most actual payback times — the amount of time that your out-of-pocket costs versus zero-energy-costs merge — can be as little as 10 years. Most solar panels are hooked up to a battery pack or generator that store excess energy to be used when the sun isn't out.

Indoor energy efficiency
Using less energy to begin with will make your house green. It starts with proper insulation — this keeps the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Some green builders have used hay as a natural insulator. Ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners and, in the winter, the fans can circulate the hot air that rises to the ceiling. Installing florescent energy-saving light bulbs cuts down on energy consumption and the bulbs also last much longer than traditional incandescent ones. Saving water is becoming a big concern, so dual-flush toilets, which use more or less water depending on the need, are a good alternative. For more on how to save energy around the home, check out my post How to fight global warming, use less energy.

Natural aspects
Not all green building has to do with the house itself. In the summer, a big tree over the roof of your house provides natural shade for cooling. Installing a bucket to catch rainwater is a good way reuse it to water the lawn. Planting the garden with native plants that don't require a lot of watering also makes ecological sense.

Your home is one of the most expensive investments you will ever purchase. Most anyone can easily do a few things around their home to make it green. The next time the energy bill comes around, think about simple solutions to bring down the bill and in return help the environment.

keeping the earth ever green

For more on green building check out the excellent "Austin House Project" series on "This Old House."

Dear Reader, In The Fray is a nonprofit staffed by volunteers. If you liked this piece, could you please donate $10? If you want to help, you can also: