When it comes to creating a sustainable home, lighting is one of the most important aspects to consider.  On average, lighting account for nearly 15% of a household’s electricity use.  Fortunately, changing to environmentally friendly lights is one of the easiest and most cost effective means of improving your carbon footprint. 

Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, have become increasingly popular in recent years.  They are 20 to 35% more efficient than traditional bulbs, and last 8 to 15 times as long.  Converting all household bulbs to CFLs equates to a 12% savings on your electricity bill.  The bulbs do contain mercury, however, so you have to be sure to dispose of them properly at the end of their life.

LED Light Bulb

Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are slowly entering the home-lighting market, but are impeded by their high price and limited color spectrum.  The price should not dissuade you, as the extremely long life of the lights more than pays for the initial investment.  The color is somewhat of a drawback, however, as LED bulbs cast an unnatural bluish tint.  They are more appropriate for outdoor lighting, holiday lights, and flashlights.

Of course, even after replacing traditional bulbs with one of these alternatives, there are still other ways to conserve lighting energy.  Take advantage of sunlight during the day, turn off lights when you leave the room, and stay away from decorative lighting like chandeliers, which use many bulbs to do the job of one.