Every product we use has consequences for the environment, light bulbs included. By switching to LED Lights, you are helping to minimize these consequences, not only when the bulb is in use.
But across its entire "life cycle" (the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing transportation, storage, use, and ultimately disposal).
Less Carbon Dioxide
LEDs use a lot less electricity than their halogen and incandescent counterparts. As most of the electricity we use is generated through the burning of fossil fuels, there is a direct relationship between the amount of electricity we use and the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) entering the atmosphere. Lighting an LED Bulb requires less electricity and therefore produces less CO2 than lighting a regular bulb.
Fewer Materials Consumed
LED Bulbs last three times longer than CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) and ten times longer than incandescent and halogen bulbs. For every light bulb that fails, materials and energy are need to manufacture a replacement. As they last much longer, LED Bulbs help conserve our natural resources and reduce the amount of CO2 emissions generated during the manufacturing process.
No Harmful Chemicals
Unlike CFLs, LEDs contain no harmful chemicals. CFLs contain a Mercury vapour, which, upon breaking, can be released and cause ecological damage. Avoiding breakages is therefore paramount, but this isn't always within our control and accidents don't do any anouncements before happening! Disposing of CFLs properly entails a lengthy and energy intensive process of recapturing the Mercury, which not only increases the environmental impact of the bulb but also not a cost effective measure.
Recycling
Incandescent light bulbs are not recyclable so not very nature friendly and so most end up in the landfill, unless you find a quirky way to put them to new use. LED Bulbs on the other hand can be recycled and are covered by the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) regulation. This means that when your LEDs are finally spent, you can return them to your manufacturer or retailer free of charge. They will in turn take care of their proper disposal and reclamation for use in the manufacture of further LED Lights.
With the flexible range of LED Lights (including LED Downlights), now available, it has never been easier to make the switch over to low energy LED. Not only will you benefit the environment, but you will also benefit yourself with lower utility/energy bills (savings on low energy consumption) and a better conscience.
Choosing the Correct Number of LED Downlights
While a single downlight can be used to create a focal point within a room, several or more downlights are needed to provide enough illumination to light an entire room. The question is, how many are needed?
The Pros and Cons of LED Lighting
The lighting industry landscape has been undergoing somewhat of a renaissance of late. The energy guzzling incandescent bulb, which has been around since the late nineteenth century,
Some Advantages of LED Strip Lights
LED Strip Lights offer a number of advantages over more traditional luminaires, such as incandescent, halogen and fluorescent.
