At One Change, we empower people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. We give people the tools to help take the first step towards making a difference—like an energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb or a tire gauge.
Often folks ask us: “What else can I do to help protect the environment while also saving money?”
Well the answer is simple…check out our Simple Actions for easy steps you can take to save money and to reduce your impact on the environment at the same time.
Simple Action of the Month:
Energy Efficient Lighting – more than just one bulb…
When you think of energy-efficient lighting, what comes to mind? For many of us energy efficient lighting means compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs or remembering to turn off the lights when leaving a room. These are great ways to save energy – but there’s much more to efficient lighting to think about. Making small adjustments can help you save energy and money and make your home more aesthetically pleasing.
One consideration is to physically arrange the lighting in a room so it is adjustable – using different light levels or placement for different uses and times of day, and to create different moods. For example, in the living room, different layers of light can be achieved through adding floor or table lamps for reading, and turning off the large overhead lights. Also, you could place lamps in the corners of your room—the light will reflect off the walls adding illumination.
Using localized, directed lights to focus light where you need it instead of providing light across a whole room will also help you use light more efficiently. For example, desk lamps, track lighting and under-counter lights are great for illuminating areas where you perform a task regularly. Offices, kitchens and hobby areas are typical areas where focused light can reduce over-lighting a room.
Dimmer switches and tri-light switches are a fairly inexpensive option and allow you to adjust the lighting level to match your needs. (Note: not all CFLs are dimmable and you should check the package to ensure that the bulb will work with a dimmer.) Dimmers are most appropriate in areas where different occasions call for different light levels, like a dining room.
Remember that CFLs come in various colour temperatures, meaning that you can choose ones that have a brighter blue light or ones that give off a warmer, more yellow glow.
Appropriate lighting helps us to see better, perform tasks more easily and provides safety, security and a sense of comfort. It happens to save money and energy as too!
Resources: www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home/lighting_guide/make_lighting_adustable.html
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