It's no secret that we are in the middle of a major energy crisis. Not only are electricity bills very high, but the environment around us is suffering. We have a responsibility to make changes to ourselves, our planet and our wallets; even those as small as a light bulb. Here are some small ways you can make an impact in your home design projects.
Compact fluorescent lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps are the future, and anyone who says otherwise is put off by the format. Whenever I move apartments, the first thing I do is change the light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones.
Your standard compact fluorescent bulb, while initially more expensive than the average incandescent bulb at the store, uses a third of the energy and lasts 10 times longer. The money you save on changing light bulbs isn't astronomical or anything, but it's more than enough to spend on that super expensive coffee you can't put down.
The main no-no for me when it comes to fluorescent light is its bright white; It's a good light for school and office tasks, but it doesn't have the relaxing atmosphere you want in a home. Fortunately, advances in recent years have led to the production of compact fluorescent light bulbs that have the same warm yellow light you know and love.
Most importantly, CFLs are a much more environmentally sustainable option than incandescent bulbs. Because they require so much less energy, their CO2 production is ridiculously low in comparison.
And if the shape still bothers you, know that they've advanced in recent years and now you can get all kinds of shapes (and even colors).
Take out the LED
Now that you have a basic understanding of sustainable light, let's take it even further. LEDs are like the special edition version of CFLs in that they also reduce your carbon footprint by leaps and bounds, but they also have some extra features. For example, they don't heat up like other bulbs, so they're great for hot summers when you don't want to work hard to cool down a room. Furthermore, there are no traces of mercury and they often last twice as long as compact fluorescent lamps. When the light dies, they can be easily recycled, doing a little extra to protect the environment.
The main disadvantage of LEDs is the drivers. Some LEDs require the purchase of an external driver, which is more or less a transformer that converts the high voltage from standard wiring so that the LEDs can use it effectively. You may need to do a little more research if you're considering the LED route, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Natural light
So maybe you're at the point where you want to use as little electricity as possible – let's explore some of these options.
Obviously, natural light is the right choice. Tall windows, as many as you can, to really let nature in. Realtors are always saying that location is key, so you should maximize that if you have the vision to back it up.
Not to mention the health benefits of natural sunlight. The further you go into the Northern Hemisphere, the less vitamin D you tend to get, especially when you're stuck indoors during the winter. Windows will help you achieve this while you can. Plus, advances in window production have meant you can protect the climate without sacrificing your windows, so you don't have to worry about your heating bill coming back to you.
Designing around Windows
Then maybe you don't have the best windows. They are small, not in the ideal position. There are alternative solutions. White kitchen remodeling is becoming popular and this is one of the reasons why. The more reflective, bright surfaces you can place in a room, the better, as they will reflect light and prevent even the smallest rooms from looking overly dark and closed in.
Stainless steel appliances, decorative mirrors, shiny wood or ceramic floors; There are many ways to improve a room with reflected light. And while they're most common in kitchens, there's no reason you can't bring them into bathrooms, living rooms, or anywhere else.
Never forget to turn on the lights
This is one of my favorite options because it makes me feel like I'm on Star Trek. Motion detection lights have been around for a long time and are great for hallways, bathrooms, rarely used offices, and the like; on when you need them, off when you don't.
You can even set the lights on a timer so they only stay on during business hours or the outdoor lights only come on at night when you really need them.
Combining this with the other methods mentioned above is a great start to sustainable living (while also fattening your wallet).
Working towards sustainable energy has never been more important than it is now. There are countless options just a Google search away. And if we all make small changes in the present, it will result in many good things in the future.
