It’s a new year, and we’re back to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the lighting world. So far, 2013 has brought us tons of lighting innovations, brilliant tips on improving your life with light, and some just plain cool stuff…
In Lighting News…
Starting January 1, import and manufacture of the 75-watt incandescent light bulb were banned in the U.S. as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The goal here is to move the country to a higher efficiency standard to save energy, money, and natural resources. To learn more about the act, how it affects consumers, and how to adapt, check out this article from Cleveland.com or our own recent blog post on the matter.
Philips has come out with a new way to try on clothing in retail shops called the AmbiScene Fitting Room System. The system’s LEDs let customers adjust the lighting in their dressing rooms. To see how your clothes look in different places, you can choose settings that mimic the seasons, different times of day, and even different locations like the office or a nightclub. The system is also perfect for retail displays. Check out this video to see how it works:
In the UK, Jim Reeves and Martin Riddiford recently designed an LED lantern that runs on the power of gravity. The designers intend it for use in developing countries like Africa, where many people still rely on harmful kerosene lamps. You can read more about how this light works right here.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are on the brink of designing an LED light bulb that mimics that pleasant, natural sunlight we all welcome in our homes. This LED would have a color temperature of less than 4,000K (which is indeed warm) and a very good color rendering index of 85. Researchers also addressed the problem of high LED prices by creating a new method of production combining small bits of europium oxide with aluminum oxide, barium oxide and graphite powders in lieu of a phosphor coating. You can read more about this exciting development here.
In Lighting Tips…
Has your home taken a beating over the holidays? Have you decided to try and keep things more organized for 2013? Earlier this month, Houzz published a complete home organizing guide to help you out. They offer great suggestions for every room in the house from the living room to the laundry room, and everything in between.
If you don’t have dimmers and lighting controls in your home or business, you’re missing out according to James Bedell. In this article he explains why they’re so great, and offers advice on how to install and use them.
If you’re trying to come up with ways to make your office more energy efficient in 2013, Greener Ideal offers some great, easy tips to get on the right track. Like we always suggest, switching to energy efficient lighting is one of the best ways to save power in the office, but there are other ways to save too. Learn about the benefits of cloud hosting, space sharing, and window covering, to name a few.
This recent post on Apartment Therapy gives readers some fabulous tips on adding light to practical places around the home. It teaches us about the benefits of great closet, under cabinet, entryway, and bathroom lighting. Trust me, this isn’t something you want to ignore!
Other Cool Stuff…
As part of the UN Conference For Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, this giant fish sculpture is meant to make a statement about the importance of sustainability. It’s made entirely of discarded plastic bottles and features the slogan “Recycle Your Attitude.” Here’s a picture of it lit up at night:
OSRAM introduced a new OLED fixture, called “Rollercoaster” for its interesting architectural design. It features the innovative transparent OLED panels, and OSRAM hopes to begin mass production of these products by 2014. Read more on the fixture here.
Have you made any lighting changes to your home or building this month? Or have you learned anything new about light? Please share!