Going Green has Never Looked Brighter
Green living focuses on two things: sustainability of the planet and healthy, sustainable living of its inhabitants. Unfortunately, harmful and unhealthy products are usually more inexpensive. That’s why it’s important and savvy to think of ways you can help save the planet and leave healthy without breaking the bank.
Here’s a great little side tip before we get to the main product, which I came across while searching for a good green product to share today: buying individually wrapped and packaged items may be convenient for your on-the-go family, but buying in bulk helps eliminate waste and is cheaper, too! Buy reusable plastic containers for your kids to pack their sandwiches and snacks for school, instead of the already individually packaged Graham Crackers or PB&J. It’s a great way to save the planet and your pocket, and really doesn’t require any sacrifice. Which brings me to the main product of today’s blog, something that’s received a lot of hype for the past year: Green light bulbs!
First, some facts you didn’t know about light bulbs, and how Green lighting can help you eliminate waste and save money:
1. Green lightbulbs save electricity and save the environment by using Compact Fluorescent Light, otherwise known as “CFL”.
2. A fact provided by CBS News : “If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.”
3. On average, each CFL light bulb saves you about $30 in it’s lifetime
Still need convincing? CFL light bulbs may cost a little more than the average light bulb when first purchased, but thrifty, stylish department store IKEA offers CFL lightbulbs for sale in bulk. Check out the 2-pack SPARSAM energy-efficient light bulb: 2 for $8.99. IKEA boasts that this light bulb has a 10x’s longer lifespan than the standard incandescent light bulb.
One downfall: Standard energy-efficient CFL light bulbs do not work with dimmers. GE, invented a special dimming CFL that works with dimmer setups, however the company warns you that the practice of using dimmers shortens light bulbs lifespans and therefore, your savings. This light bulb is called GE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb and sells for the special discounted price at LampsPlus.com of $2.69/2-pack.
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more CFL light bulbs.
