In lighting news…
With Earth Day approaching in less than a month, this Department of Energy report could not have been more timely. Here is the startling statistic: widespread adoption to LED lighting among Americans would save $120 billion. It would also eliminate the need for 24 new large power plants, and would decrease carbon emissions significantly.
LEDs are also expected to come down in price significantly, so making that change to collectively save $120 billion will not have such high up-front costs. Prices may drop from $30 to $10-20 because the production cost is expected to decrease.
Toshiba halted production of incandescent light bulbs on 3/17, marking a remarkable shift for the company to more energy-efficient products. Toshiba will now focus on producing LEDs.
LED freezer lighting is a win-win for both owners and customers of grocery stores. Foods stay fresh for longer and there are major cost savings due to energy efficiency.
A trends article explained that innovative kitchen lighting design has become mainstream for everyday homes. A list of must-haves in kitchen lighting was included (LED under-cabinet lighting, under-countertop lighting, sconces, and weathered bronze fixtures).
In lighting tips…
Business leaders that strive for sustainability are improving both employee morale and the company’s environmental footprint (not to mention saving on energy bills!) This article provided seven keys to green building.
Here’s a topic we know you’ll want to learn more about: how to get the best return on your home improvements. This article outlines the projects you should tackle that will make the biggest difference. A quick recap – 1. Give your kitchen & bathroom a face-lift. 2. Replace damaged shingles. 3. Add a bedroom/bathroom, if necessary. 4. Paint a fresh coat. 5. Buy new windows. 6. Restore the siding.
If your rented apartment is feeling a bit dim, read this article on ideas for fixing lighting issues. As the article says, adding a pendant or two does not always cut it because different styles of living spaces have different problems.
You’re guaranteed to decrease your electricity bill if you follow some of the tips in this article. The only thing we would change: switching to LEDs is a better idea than CFLs. LEDs are more energy efficient and they don’t contain toxic mercury.
Doityourself.com posted a how-to on installing an LED light panel.
Ever considered your hallway a design focus in your home? Consult this article to brainstorm ideas on how to transform this space in an affordable yet dazzling way.
IKEA shared ten “savvy storage ideas” to de-clutter your kitchen. We thought it was helpful! It’s true that installing lighting can help brighten your storage areas so you find things quicker. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our blog post: Light Your Way to Organization.
Other cool sites…
A recent LED research initiative is exploring integrating LEDs into clothes. Can you imagine wearing pants with LED technology? Check out this article for a picture of an LED baby blanket designed by Philips.