Beneath the surface of the earths crust lies an energy source that is just waiting to be tapped into in order to provide us with heat and hot water for our homes. This energy source is known as thermal energy and can be harvested using specifically designed geothermal heating technology.  This article will provide you with quick and simple overview of how thermal energy has come into being and how modern geothermal heating systems tap into this energy supply.

But how exactly has thermal energy come into existance? Heat naturally occurs underground because of several energy sources. For example, sun light, the earths core, and other radioactive materials that exist in the ground all generate heat. The strength of this heat energy trapped beneath the surface of the ground  will of course depend where you are in the world. It does not really matter where you are in the world though as geothermal heating technologies are able to extract heat from the ground however weak that heat is.

The concept of harnessing heat energy that naturally occurs under ground is not new. Thousands of years ago the Romans grasped the idea that naturally occurring hot water heated by geothermal energy could be used to heat their spas and some of their buildings.  Collecting naturally occurring heated water and transferring it to places to provide heat and hot water for personal use can really be thought of as a simple geothermal heating system. Similarly today, countries like Iceland that are lucky to have a bountiful supply of geothermally heated hot water put this to use to help provide electricity and heat energy using geothermal power plants.

In todays world the Ground Source heat pump is fast becoming a popular geothermal heating system. As the name suggests the Ground Source heat pump harvests heat from beneath the earths surface and using a pumping method provides this heat wherever it is needed. Ground source heat pumps use a series of pipes that are laid underneath the surface of the ground. The loop of pipes are filled with a soltuion has properties to absorb geothermal heat energy directly from the ground. The solution is circulated through the pipe network and absorbs heat from the ground as it moves. The solution flows towards part of the system known as the heat exchanger. At this point the heat is extracted from the solution. This harvested heat is then used to directly warm living spaces and heat hot water tanks.

Geothermal heating systems are seeing an increase in popularity right across the globe. In general most people are very aware that they need to change the way they do things in order to become more environmentally friendly. Most people are also becoming increasingly frustrated at the incredibly high prices they are paying for fossil fuels such as gas and coal. Geothermal heating systems such as Ground Source heat pumps provide just the answer many people are looking for.

If this article has been of interest you may just want to find out a little more about the benefits of investing in geothermal heating systems such as Ground Source heat pumps? A good place to start your search is by checking out the websites of the numerous UK companies that deal specifically in geothermal heating and renewable heating technologies. One reputable and well established company is clled EcoVision. You will easily be able to find them on the Internet. EcoVision specialises in a whole range of eco-friendly technologies including geothermal heating systems. The EcoVision website is a great information portal for those looking to invest in eco-friendly technologies.

Rich Stevens writes articles for EcoVision. Discover more information about Heat Pump technology and how Heat Pumps work on the EcoVision website.
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Recycled Glass Tile – The Economical Tiling Material
By Stanley Hardin

Stanley Hardin is passionate about learning and teaching others. He graduated from Seton Hall University with an Accounting degree and besides the obvious English, he …
Nowadays, with all the depletion of natural resources and other major problems such as global warming, recycling materials has becomes a major priority of almost every country in the world. Even while making glass, lot of harmful gases are let into the air and also there is a use of a lot of conventional natural resources. So, recycling glass is the new and economical thing to do and is being done and recycled glass in being used in many houses as well as commercial buildings.

Moreover, recycling glass has not just a trend. It has now become a big business. There is a lot of economical and technical soundness involved in making the use of recycled glass tile. The quality of them depends on the absorption and strength properties. If you are thinking that recycled tiles are the tiles taken out from the old houses and then reused, then you are majorly mistaken. Recycled tiles are actually a completely different concept. Not more than a decade ago, it was strongly believed that recycled material is no good and has very poor quality. However, nowadays, recycled glass tile, even though cheaper than new glass tile is of really good quality.

When glass is recycled and made into tile, the need for landfills reduces and also the variability involved in recycling programs is supported. Nowadays, many people have recycled tile in their house. Many parents buy recycled glass tile for their children and give them paints and then the children show their creativity and then these tiles are placed on the walls and sometimes, on the doors and sometimes in place of windows. Recycled glass tile is used by women in their kitchen for the cabinets and also for placing on the dining table. One more use of recycled glass tile is by using it as a writing pad on the wall.

Stanley Hardin has been writing articles for more than 5 years. Not only does this author specialize on the subjects of health, diet, fitness and weight loss.

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Soap nuts are actually not a nut; they are in fact a berry from trees that grow in particularly in India and Nepal. A very ecological and economical way to do your laundry, they have been used for centuries thanks to their degreasing qualities.

Once ripe, soap nuts become sticky due to the high content saponin contained in their shells that, when added to water, act as a natural detergent. The detergent properties of the saponin in the soap nuts is due to a combination of lipophilic components (soluble in oily organic compounds) and hydrophilic compounds (soluble in water), which, when agitated, remove grease from clothes, skin or soiled surfaces.

Soap nuts used as shells or in liquid form, do not need any processing or industrial production. Neither do they require any added pollutants (phosphates, solvents, whitening agents) before use. Also when using soap nuts, the water released from your washing machine contains nothing harmful to the environment. In fact, the saponin from the nuts acts as a very good solution to combat the propagation of parasites and the aphids in the garden. Soap nuts are, therefore, considered as non-toxic and non-polluting.

Other Advantages of Ecological Laundry

Soap nuts are not aggressive towards clothing and linen
Soap nuts are very effective for washing delicates, wool and silk without pilling or spoiling the shape
Soap nuts are great for making colours vibrant again
Soap nuts are hypoallergenic and excellent for anyone who suffers from skin complaints
Soap nuts are more economical than traditional washing detergents
Soap nuts can be used for multiple purposes: laundry, jewellery, pets, household, etc.

What Results Can I Expect For My Laundry?

Due to the natural characteristics of saponin, soap nuts are considered to be less effective than chemical detergents but, they are sufficient for most washes. They are great for colours and delicates and can be used for hand or machine wash in temperatures of 30° to 90°. They are also suitable for dish-washing. The people who use soap nuts are generally of the opinion that this green, ecological manner of washing is as good as washing with chemical detergents, although for heavily soiled laundry, the use of a stain remover or bicarbonate of soda is recommended.

Instructions For Use in The Washing Machine

Put 6 half nuts into the cotton bag (normally provided) and add to the laundry in the drum
Add a couple of drops of your favourite smelling essential oil to the wash; because the soap nuts offer no scent.
Re-use the same nuts 3 to 4 times more for low/medium temperature, and less for hotter washes
When the soap nuts become soft, throw them on your garden compost heap and use new ones for your next wash

Soap Nuts Liquid Soap

If you decide to use soap nuts in a liquid form, the same rules apply in terms of using in the washing machine; temperatures ranging 30° to 90°.  Just add about 40ml of liquid direct into the drum or the drawer of the machine and wash as normal; not forgetting the essential oil for scent.

A Few Tips & Tricks

If your laundry is very dirty, pre soak it with bicarbonate of soda as well as the wash nuts.
If there are stains, rub with Savon de Marseille then soak as above
If the water is very hard, soap nuts can be less effective so add a little baking soda or white vinegar to the washing machine

How to Make Liquid Soap

More Uses for Soap Nuts

Available in the UK
For more information, visit our website at http://www.naturalfrenchsoap.com
and our blog at  http://www.naturalfrenchsoap.com/blog.html
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As the world’s attention has turned to renewable energy as a means to aid in the maintenance of the environment, Germany has taken charge as a leader in biofuels.  Biofuels are often used to power automobiles and other machinery.  They are derived from animal waste or from plant matter such as grain or rapeseed oil.  Harmful emissions from fossil fuels are thus avoided.

In an effort to revolutionize biofuel use and technology, Germany decreed that 20% of all fuel consumed would be biofuel by the year 2020.  A new fuel known as E-10 was supposed to have been introduced in 2009, made up of 90% ethanol.  Ethanol is a renewable energy alcohol made from the fermentation of sugar.  Unfortunately, the German Automobile Club found that nearly 3.7 million cars were unable to convert the fuel into power.  The original estimate was that only around 1 million cars would be affected.  Critics of the plan to accelerate the use of first generation biofuels like ethanol propose that if more crops are used to produce biofuel in Germany, then the price of food crops would rise.  In addition, the demand for sugar cane imports from Brazil would threaten more rain forest acreage.  They found the news that the ethanol revolution had hit a snag encouraging.

However, this obstacle has not stopped Germany’s biofuels industry.  In fact, the nation is nearly ready to start commercial production of biofuels this year.  A plant built by Choren Industries is in the final stages of construction in Freiburg, a city in the southern part of the country.  Using wood-based products, the goal is to produce 15,000 tonnes of biomass-to-liquid gas, a second generation biofuel.  Freiburg is already renowned for its recycling efforts, and with the addition of a biofuels plant, they will certainly gain further recognition as an eco-city.  As long ago as 1992, Freiburg city council passed a resolution allowing for only low-energy buildings to be constructed on municipal land.

Choren Industries plans to study the political climate in Germany before constructing larger biofuels plants.  Although they do not produce first generation biofuels from renewable energy materials such as palm oil and rapeseed oil (keeping food costs down), production of second generation biofuels from wood is costlier to produce. Choren is more interested in working in cooperation with German citizens than forcing biofuel plants upon them.  When it comes to the renewable energy of biofuels, Germany wishes to lead by example, not by force.

New-Energy-Portal is a Renewable Energy Directory where you can also contact Biofuel Manufacturers in Germany and Biofuel Suppliers in Germany which provide you the best usage of biofuels.
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Nowadays, one of the most pressing problems in our world is the environment, and how we are slowly polluting it and causing man-made disasters, health problems, and many other bad effects. It is important for us to be environmentally friendly in our own ways so that we can help lessen the effects of pollutants to our environment. Everything must start with ourselves, and we can make a big impact by doing little things.

Firstly, you have to remember to recycle and reuse things around the house. Also, reduce your amount of waste by buying things that have less packaging. You can set up family recycling days to sort out paper, plastic, glass, and cans to send to the recycling center. This can dramatically reduce your amount of carbon dioxide emissions. You can also seek out a recycling center that does its own sorting.

To spare your own budget and conserve energy, then you should start using less heating and air conditioning. If you live in a place with extreme temperatures, add insulation to different parts of your house to keep the cold or hot out of the house. When you’re not in the house, you can turn down the heat or air conditioning.

Everyone has heard of fluorescent lights, and replacing your normal bulbs with them will save you lots of money on electricity. It uses a lot less energy and releases less heat which can save on air conditioning bills in the long run. Aside from this, public transport is also advised. This lessens the number of cars on the road, reducing traffic jams, and it is also very efficient in terms of gas and vehicle use.

In order to get your family hands-on in the process of making the world a better place, you can have an activity like planting a tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, which is necessary for our respiration. Over time they create shade and when planted on the south side of a house, this can reduce air conditioning costs in the summer. Not to mention, trees are beautiful to look at and also fun to plant as seedlings and can prove to be a bonding experience for the family.

Make sure to educate yourself and your family about the importance of being environmentally friendly. You can even go to classes about the ecosystem in places like zoos and other institutions together as a family. You can volunteer as a family and feel good about having helped in the fight against energy and resource waste. This also provides you with a chance to meet other people who also care about the environment so that you will have a support group and you can help each other improve your lifestyles to be more environmentally friendly.

If you get your family to know about the importance of protecting the environment and all of its flora and fauna, then they can inspire others to do the same. We all have the power to make our world a better place, as long as we start with ourselves and help others be like us. Let’s make this world a better place for our children to live in, and our children’s children as well.

Michelle Patelle, stay-at-home mother and writer, hopes that nursing mothers will investigate their choices at sites such as http://babylovesyourmilk.com which has information about breast pump reviews and breast shield fit.
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Recycling mobiles for cash is something many people are taking to now as more awareness has been raised on this very matter through advertising and marketing campaigns. Initiatives set up under government legislation to give people a way to recycle old unwanted electrical items. Freeing up space in the home but lessening landfill waste from these types of products that can have a damaging, detrimental effect on the environment.

There are many sites on line offering their services for you to sell your mobile phone for cash with them. The problem is finding the best one, the right one for you. Fortunately it’s always been a human instinct to want the best of the best and there are now review and comparison sites that list all the mobile recyclers comparing prices from all in one to save you time and hassle so you can make the right choice and get the most money when recycling your old phone.

Of the 90 Million mobiles in circulation in the UK around only 10% are actually being recycled. So there is room for improvement if we are to tackle this problem of global warming and deforestation in mining for the materials needed to produce these things. To help combat this companies trading under government certificate are offering some enticing incentives for recycling your phone with them. There’s always been Cheque or bank payments but now other ways such as Paypal or Post Office payments. Even Gift Vouchers. You can exchange mobile phones for Gift Vouchers with some companies and you’ll get a higher amount than the cash value.

Post Office Mobile Phone Recycling Payments

A new way to pay you at the moment it by “SMS Code”. Sent to you by text so you can go to the Post Office and redeem it for cash. It’s a very convenient way for a lot of people. There is also Post Office mobile phone recycling. Where you can literally recycle your phone for cash with Royal Mail. Simply Drop are the Royal Mails mobile phone recycling service offering such payment methods as these. As well as Mopay who also send you an SMS code that you can take to your local Post Office and redeem for cash. It’s simple Post Office mobile phone recycling.

All these payment incentives are offered to you when you think of doing this. But don’t be taken in by the flashy offers and go with the first one you see. It’s best to compare, much like you do when shopping to ensure you make the right choice for you and get the most money for your mobile of course. But it is hoped that it will actually inspire more people to recycle mobile phones and other unused electrical items. To help you in the short term and to have a helping effect on the environment in many years to come.

Think of the environment. Think of what you’re going to do when you want to sell your mobile. Find out what to do with, and how to recycle mobiles for cash and what else you can recycle along with reviews and cross comparisons of all the mobile phone recycling sites to make the right choice when comparing to get the most money.

Visit us today to Sell Your Mobile and to find out how to sell and recycle your old mobile for cash and see reviews and comparisons on mobile phone recycling sites to make the right choice for you and get the most money by using the recycling price comparison tool first when you recycle mobile phones for cash.

It is good to inform people of the great benefits of mobile phone recycling and the impact it can have on the environment. If you have any old mobile phones take a visit us to Sell Your Mobile to see how much you can get for it and help the planet at the same time.
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It is estimated that lighting is responsible for emitting significant amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. In fact, it actually consumes as much as 19 percent of electricity that is generated throughout the world. As if this figure is not a big enough problem, another issue lies in how lighting electricity is generated. A lot of electricity is generated from using coal and it accounts for about 39% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. By 2030 (EIA 2007), this figure is expected to reach 43%.

There is a lot of energy that can be saved by simply switching to an energy efficient Par38 halogen bulb or other energy efficient lighting technology such as compact fluorescent or LED. These are well-known alternatives for high wattage direct illumination and spot lighting needs. The “Par” is an abbreviation of parabolic aluminized reflector, a material that is wrapped around the lamp. There are a lot of choices and alternatives if you are interested in buying a Par 38 halogen bulb.

Energy-Efficient and Long-Lasting

The white spectrum produced by the Par38 halogen bulb is perfect for anyone who needs direct illumination. This kind of bulb also has longer lifespan and produces brighter lighting compared to an incandescent source. It also maximizes the amount of energy it utilizes by providing more illumination per watt so efficiency is achieved. Recently, technology has improved to create a PAR38 Halogen that emits the same lumens at a fraction of the wattage consumption.  

Certain types of lighting become dull or faded over time since it can no longer provide optimum performance. But you don’t need to worry about this issue if you use Par38 halogen bulb because it is specifically designed to give maximum efficiency throughout its lifetime. This option is available in 12 volt size as well as 120 volt size. A step-down transformer is required if you want to lower the voltage.

Take note that because Par38 halogen bulbs tend to get hotter compared to ordinary halogen lighting, it is not recommended for usage in ceilings that are lower than 8 feet. There should also be enough distance from the bulb to a temperature-sensitive item if it is being showcased. Otherwise, Par38 halogen bulb is safe, energy-efficient, and affordable for a variety of needs.

Be sure to check a reputable store to find a Par38 halogen bulb that is best suited for your needs. It is not difficult to find a good selection if you visit an established lighting store. In fact, the amount of available choices can be confusing because everything is a good deal. For any questions or queries, be sure to contact the company’s support staff to get individual answers. Each person, organization, or government agency has a unique need. Ask the expert for advice to get the best Par38 halogen bulb.

Scott McCormick, CFO of BestPriceLights.com, a provider of low-cost replacement light bulbs to individuals, business organizations, and government agencies. The company is an expert when it comes to Par38 halogen bulbs and its related products. For more information, please visit http://www.bestpricelights.com or our blog at http://bestpricelights.blogspot.com
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For those who aren’t already aware, the state of California is in a water crisis.  More than two thirds of the state’s water supply comes from the Sacramento Delta, an area poised for catastrophe when the next major earthquake hits.  According to scientists, such an event isn’t just a possibility, but rather a probability, and they estimate that there’s a 75% chance of such an earthquake occurring before the year 2040.  The problem is further complicated by an aging infrastructure, insufficient levies, droughts, and ecological concerns in the area.

All this begs the question, what can California residents do to ensure that there will be enough water in the coming years to support the needs of their growing population?  While the state of California realizes that major steps must be taken to overhaul and revamp the Sacramento Delta area, state agencies are also campaigning to raise public awareness about the need for water conservation.  Though conservation alone won’t solve the problem in its entirety, encouraging residents to use less water is one important piece of the puzzle.

One of the biggest sources of water waste in the average American home is the toilet.  It’s estimated that approximately 25-30% of the average household’s water consumption is flushed down our toilets.  If the state of California could conserve even a part of that water, multiplied across its millions of residents, the savings would be staggering.  One possible solution to water savings in the bathroom are composting toilets.

Composting toilets have been around for decades in one form or another, all with the same basic goal-to convert human waste into compost, a harmless substance that looks and smells like ordinary garden soil.  Like most products, composting toilets have moved through a product development life cycle that began with fairly primitive fixtures and has evolved into a very sophisticated and highly effective product.  The modern composting toilet is not only 100% odorless, but it’s also easy to maintain and operate and is aesthetically pleasing in today’s residential bathrooms.

Composting toilet systems are not cheap.  A single, self-contained unit retails around $1,500, or a large, whole-house system with toilets in multiple bathrooms can cost around $3,500.  How can the state of California make it financially feasible for their residents to install these pricey fixtures in their homes?  One possible solution is to subsidize the cost of the toilets with tax incentives.  Many states offer tax breaks to homeowners who install high-efficiency windows, doors, and HVAC units, so why not offer a tax credit to homeowners who install approved composting toilet systems?

The state could gather an independent panel of plumbing and home repair experts to evaluate the various models of composting toilets on the market today, and identify one or more particular brands and a group of models within those brands that the state could deem to be “approved fixtures.”  The state could even subsidize part of the tax credit offered to homeowners by cooperating with the manufacturers of those composting toilets.  For example, for every tax credit the state of California gave to a homeowner who purchased a qualifying system, the state could then provide that same documentation to the composting toilet manufacturer to receive some credit or rebate on the sale, payable directly to the same funds that the tax credits come out of.

While this may seem fairly simplistic, the state of California has to start somewhere if they want to encourage water conservation on a large scale.  Reducing residential water use by even 10-15% would make a huge difference in the state’s water situation, and composting toilets might be just the product to help them accomplish the task.  For Californians, at least it’s worth some consideration.

For more information on compost toilets and other waterless toilet options, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/
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Recently a study was done by a National Research Council committee on the subject of recycled wastewater.  Funded by the American Waterworks Association Research Foundation, the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, the Phoenix Water Services Department, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and the National Water Research Institute, the study tested water from a number of different locations to see if recycled wastewater is safe to drink.  Although generally costing more than treated groundwater because of additional treatment, recycled wastewater is presented as a viable option for many states such as California struggling with severe drought and water supply problems.

Health and safety concerns are at the top of the list of concerns about recycled wastewater.  The study, Issues in Potable Water Reuse, concluded that “reclaimed wastewater can be used to supplement drinking water sources, but only as a last resort and after a thorough health and safety evaluation.”  Many of the study’s authors were concerned that wastewater “may contain sources of contamination that cannot be determined through current testing or treatment processes.”

The process of recycling wastewater is long and meticulous.  For Orange County in California, “Recycling starts with sewage treatment by the Orange County Sanitation District, which removes solid waste and uses micro organisms to break down organic materials. The water then heads to the recycling facility for purification. It passes at low pressure through an ultrafine filter that strains out particulate matter, bacteria, and the single-celled organisms known as protozoans (amoebas and their kin). Next comes reverse osmosis, in which the water is forced through a plastic membrane at high pressure to remove even tinier pollutants including viruses, salts, and pesticides. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light completes the process.”  Half of the water is then injected into an underground supply of freshwater that serves as a barrier between salty sea water and inland freshwater reserves while the other half is pumped into a “recharge basin in Anaheim, where it slowly percolates down into the ground to supplement the aquifer that provides drinking water to the community.”

Recycled wastewater in Orange Country exceeds every safety regulation and test for potable, that is, drinkable water.  “Water district officials note that first-timers were often pleasantly surprised by the pure, clean taste.”  In addition, since California has been using recycled wastewater there has been no illnesses or outbreaks of any kind associated with contaminated water.  The biggest factor in recycled wastewater is the public’s negative view towards the idea of drinking “toilet to tap” water as opponents have aptly named it.  Although recycled wastewater has been proven safe to drink, it will probably be some time before it gains acceptance due to the basic “yuck factor” of the water’s origin.

For more information about California’s water crisis and recycled wastewater please visit hyperlink color
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The era when buying a light bulb was as simple as buying a carton of milk is drawing to a close. Beginning on January 1, 2012, general purpose light bulbs will need to be 30% more efficient than traditional incandescent lamps. We field questions from progressive customers regularly about eco-friendly alternatives. Here’s a list of the most common inquiries.

Q: When does it make good financial sense to consider eco-friendly light bulbs?

A: Eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart choice for lamps and fixtures that are on for at least three hours a day. This is based on a September 2009 national average residential electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt hour. In the dozen U.S. states (1) where hourly rates exceed $0.15, two hours of daily use is sufficient.

Depending on the lamp type, you should save enough on electricity costs for a payback period under two years. And since all types of eco-friendly light bulbs last longer than traditional ones, there should be plenty of life left in them after payback.

Q: What is a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)?

A: CFL bulbs use electric current and gas to create ultraviolet (UV) energy. In turn, this energy excites phosphors which coat the inside of the glass which creates the structure of the lamp. The phosphors transform the UV to visible light.

Many CFLs have traditional screw-in bases and are suitable, energy efficient replacements for old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.

Q: What are the benefits of CFL bulbs?

CFLs use less energy so they cost less to operate. CFL bulbs use roughly 75% less electricity to create the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.
Less energy used means less pollution. Think about it. By reducing electricity demand, we reduce production and by extension the harmful gases that are a byproduct of electricity generation. So long as CFLs are recycled when spent (to recapture the very small amount of mercury they contain), using CFL bulbs is a great way to help the environment and our wallets
These eco-friendly light bulbs are designed to last a long time…typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours. Traditional light bulbs last only 750 to 3,000 hours.
CFL bulbs are cool. Since they generate less heat than an incandescent, CFLs can reduce air conditioning costs.
CFL bulbs are offered in a wide range of light colors ranging from warm white (similar to an incandescent bulb) to very cool white…virtually the same as daylight on a cloudless day.

Q: Do CFL bulbs have drawbacks that should be considered?

A:

Frequent on / off switching will shorten the life of these eco-friendly light bulbs.
CFL bulbs don’t tolerate higher temperatures well so using them in a fixture that traps heat will reduce their life.
The light output of CFLs will gradually dim over time.
Standard CFLs shouldn’t be used in fixtures controlled by a dimmer switch.
CFL bulbs contain mercury, a toxic substance, and must be recycled properly. If a CFL shatters, it should be cleaned up carefully.
CFL bulbs take time to warm up to full output. At normal room temperature, 30-45 seconds is about what to expect. The cooler the room though, the longer it will take.
CFL bulbs used outdoors in cold temperatures will not be as bright.
Screw-in dimmable CFL bulbs are available but their dimming performance is inferior to incandescent and halogen lamps. They have a reduced dimming range and may flicker and cut off at the low end.

Q: What other eco-friendly light bulbs besides CFL bulbs should I consider?

A:

High-efficiency halogen lamps are a great choice. These eco-friendly light bulbs, which transform infrared heat into visible light, have hit the market in the last few years. Consider HEHLs where beautiful light quality and / or superior dimmability is desired. Unlike CFL bulbs, halogen lamps last longer when dimmed consistently.
Light emitting diode (LED) light sources are being rapidly developed and show great promise for their high energy efficiency, extremely long life spans and light quality.

Like CFL bulbs, both of these light sources already meet the coming U.S. mandate (starting 1/1/2012) for a 30% increase in energy efficiency for general purpose light bulbs.

Q: Are eco-friendly light bulbs a good choice for the dimming fixtures I already use in my home?

A: Yes but first, keep in mind that dimming any bulb is an effective way to reduce electricity costs, carbon emissions and waste because even incandescent bulbs will last longer the more frequently they are dimmed.

Consider how often these fixtures are lit. If the fixture is lit for more than three hours per day, eco-friendly light bulbs are a smart choice.

For maximum energy savings at a reasonable cost, dimmable CFL bulbs are a good choice.

High efficiency halogen lamps are preferable if you desire superior light quality and maximum dimmability for great ambiance.

Q: When selecting eco-friendly light bulbs, how do I decide the right wattage so I get the amount of light I need?

A: Consumers have been buying traditional incandescent bulbs for so long that they’ve come to think of watts as the amount of light the bulb yields. In fact, “lumens” are the measure of light output at the source, while watts are the amount of electricity consumed.

The best way to choose eco-friendly light bulbs is to start by deciding how many lumens will do the job. Then read the package label and choose the lamp with this output.

As far as traditional incandescent “A” type lamps, 25 watts equals approximately 210 lumens; 40 watts=500 lumens; 60 watts=850 lumens; 75 watts=1,200 lumens; 100 watts=1,700 lumens; and, finally, 150 watts is equivalent to about 2,800 lumens.

Tip: when selecting a CFL, remember that their light output will diminish by about 25% over the bulb’s life. Think about buying one with higher initial lumens than required so as their brightness fades (and your eyes age), you’ll still have enough light in your space.

Q: I’m uncomfortable with the fact that CFL bulbs contain mercury. Are there mercury-free options among eco-friendly light bulbs?

A: Yes! High efficiency halogen lamps and LEDs are mercury-free.

Q: I hear a lot about LED lights. When are they worth considering?

A: Premium quality LEDs from reputable manufacturers are still expensive. For most consumers LEDs only make financial sense in light fixtures that are on at least six to eight hours a day. LEDs might make sense in these situations:

Recessed downlights in kitchens, family rooms or great rooms
Exterior lights on porches or posts or any security lights that are lit from dusk to dawn
Task lamps in home offices or workshops
Under cabinet lights in kitchens

Q: Should I replace all the light bulbs in and around my home with eco-friendly light bulbs?

A: No. We think that would be a mistake. Take a hall closet light for example: maybe it gets switched on once every other day for two minutes. Its annual electricity draw is practically nothing. Why spend $5 on a light bulb to replace one that’s working just fine and costs almost nothing to operate?

Focus on the 3-5 fixtures that are on for at least 2-3 hours every day. Pick these low-hanging fruit – where electricity and pollution savings can be had for a minimal investment. If money is still burning a hole in your pocket and you want to satisfy your eco-conscience, hire a qualified energy auditor to check your home. You’ll get a punch list where green investments will make much greater contributions to your savings.

Works Cited

1. AK, CA, CT, HI, NH, NJ, NY, MA, MD, ME, RI and VT

Peter Ellinwood is the founder and owner of GreenPoma, an online retailer of hard-to-find, best-in-breed, environmentally-friendly lighting options. During the 25 years he spent in the insurance industry in Boston, Baltimore, and Annapolis, he acquired an extensive background in product management and marketing, but decided to use this knowledge for a greater purpose – selling energy-efficient light bulb, LED, halogen, and CFL products along with great advice. To make a purchase or learn more about going green, please visit www.greenpoma.com.
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