LIGHTING YOUR SPACE SUSTAINABLY
REVELUCENT encourages sustainability year-round. With climate change and global warming among the biggest threats to our world today, energy efficiency is more essential now than ever before. We are inspired to see so many companies making commitments to
be more responsible to the environment.
What you may not know is that besides plastic, paper and cans, lighting fixtures can be sustainably disposed of as well. Here at REVELUCENT we want to help demystify and educate on lighting recycling and energy efficiency to promote a healthier environment.
We know it can be overwhelming when navigating the best ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Start with the basics of switching out your existing lighting to LEDs. It will not only save you money but is also kinder to the environment.
REDUCE
The best way to light your home is to use light-emitting diode (LED) lights, a cost-effective and energy- efficient alternative to compact fluorescent and incandescent lighting. LEDs use less energy than CFLs and are up to 80% more efficient than incandescent lighting and they do not contain any toxic elements. Also, 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light with only 5% wasted as heat.
Since LEDs have better quality of light distribution and focus light in one direction, fewer LEDs are needed to achieve the same level of brightness given off by fluorescent and incandescent lights. Fewer lights reduce energy consumption and therefore benefit the environment. LED lights last up to six times longer than other types of lights, resulting in lower carbon emissions, fewer lights and fewer resources for manufacturing processes, packaging materials and transportation.
REUSE
You can donate your new or used LED lights.
You can also repurpose older or unwanted bulbs that still work to less forward-facing areas of your space – think garage, closets and basements. If you are unable to reuse your lights, recycling is an option.
RECYCLE
Knowing how to properly dispose of each item is a huge step forward in maintaining a sustainable lighting footprint.
Here is a list of common home and office lighting and how to dispose of them:
LED lights can be thrown out with the rest of your trash, or you can find a recycling facility that will take them. Most communities do not require you to recycle LEDs, but if you want to recycle them, you can look for a specialized recycling facility. Earth911 provides recycling locations in this guide.
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs can be thrown in the trash, just be sure to wrap them in newspaper or a similar item to ensure the safety of sanitation workers. You may also want to check Earth911 or Recycle Nation for a recycling center near you.
Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs should always be recycled via a recycling facility. In seven states it is required by law. Earth911 provides insight on where, why and how to recycle your compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
We hope this article is helpful in your journey to maintaining an energy-efficient and sustainable lifestyle.
