Recycling Energy-Saving Light Bulbs: A Comprehensive Guide

A council in London have teamed up with a leading light bulb recycling service in order to install specialist energy-saving light bulb recycling points at nineteen locations around the Lambeth area. After a government grant was received, the containers were fitted so that residents of the area have a safe place to dispose of their energy-saving lighting solutions and batteries, which contain very small amounts of mercury and can be damaging to the environment if not processed in the right way.

The mercury contained in most energy-saving light bulbs is well within the safety limits of 5mg; most only contain around 2.5mg of the substance (enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen). The mercury is used to generate light efficiently and cannot escape from a light bulb when it is in use, but the disposal of the light bulbs in the wrong way can cause a crack and allow mercury leakage. These bulbs should never be thrown into normal rubbish or household recycling bins for precisely this reason. There are now energy-saving bulb recycling points across the whole of the UK exactly like those fitted in Lambeth, which provide a safe and secure way to dispose of energy-saving light bulbs without potentially damaging the environment or harming someone.

In some cases, bulbs accidentally break when they are being fitted or replaced. Accidental breakage is unlikely to cause harm, but it is considered good practice to reduce the exposure to both the mercury and the possibility of injury from broken glass. In the unlikely event of breakage of an energy-saving light bulb in the home or in the workplace, ensure that windows are open for fifteen minutes and leave the room to air. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clear up broken glass or bulb parts, and always use rubber gloves when handling the debris in order to protect the hands. If the bulb breaks on a surface, clean the surface with a damp cloth and place all broken parts (and the cloth) into a sealed plastic bag. This should then be disposed of in the same way as a working light bulb: by taking it to a local waste and recycling centre, with specialist recycling facilities for such items.

Luckily, the considerable life span of these light bulbs means that they only have to be changed once every dozen or so years, minimising the number of times these recycling facilities will be used. Energy-saving light bulbs are designed to consume less energy and last for longer, so trips to designated recycling spots will be few and far between for many members of the public.

ACE Recommends Government Plan For Electrical Efficiency

The Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) has encouraged the government to take more of a stand on the subject of energy-saving. The organisation represents some of Britain's leading industrial names, including E.ON, Honeywell and Carillion, and have taken the step of writing to the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Davey, in order to express their concerns that the UK's electricity bills are not being tackled in the way that they should. The letter urges the government to 'aim higher' and use their upcoming enery bill in order to initiate huge change in the UK's overall energy efficiency levels.

The bill as it currently stands allots £1bn to energy companies to distribute in whatever way they believe might decrease energy consumption or increase efficiency. This could be something as large as building an energy-efficient power plant, or something as basic as fitting all workplaces and headquarters with energy-saving lighting solutions. However, research provided by ACE, Green Alliance and WWF has shown that this kind of investment is a mere drop in the ocean; a similar amount allocated in the US only saw 3% of the total funds being distributed in an effective way. Wth this amount, the organisations were only likely to reduce energy demand by 10% each year. It is believed this figure should be much higher, with the government aiming to put 'green' issues at the very top of their agenda.

Investment in the energy infrastructure is not the only way in which people, from households to headquarters, can contribute to the energy-efficiency levels within the UK. Business owners can take steps to reduce the carbon footprint of their own organisation by kitting out their workplace with energy-saving light bulbs, and those within the home can choose similar options, with environmentally-friendly LED light bulbs also touted as great ways to cut down on emissions for everyone in the country.

Replacing one energy-guzzling halogen light bulb with a standard 4.5-watt LED light bulb can have potential electricity savings of up to £145.80 over the course of the bulb's considerably lengthy life span. This makes bulb replacement one of the most attractive and easy ways in which everyone can contribute to reducing carbon footprints and electrical demand. The bulbs use far less electricity than older models, and not only do they offer savings for electricity bills on a domestic scale, they will also be helping the country out on a national scale, whether the government follow ACE's recommendations or not.

2013: The Year of the LED?

One of the most influential publications in the world, TIME magazine, has predicted that this will be the year in which everyone switches to LED light bulbs. The magazine has published a feature-length article which discusses the merits of the bulbs and examines the contributing factors behind 2013 being the year of the LED.

The LED is described as a bulb which takes the warm and cosy illumination offered by energy-guzzling incandescent light bulbs, and the incredible energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of compact fluorescent bulbs, and combines them to create one all-purpose lighting solution. The negatives of both of these types of bulb have been eliminated; the inefficient nature of the incandescent light bulb is now an outdated echo from years which had never known the phrase ‘global warming’, whilst the ‘warm-up’ phase from the CFL bulb has been all but removed. LEDs provide instant warm light with a variety of temperatures, wattages, shapes and sizes available.

Though not yet the standard in American, or indeed the UK, the prevalence of these bulbs is growing every day as consumers wake up to the possibility of reducing their energy bills whilst protecting the environment and illuminating their home in an attractive way. Experts have calculated the energy savings that could be made by each LED bulb over the course of its life span, and the results are often many times the amount the bulb cost to purchase initially. A standard LED GU10 6-Watt Light Bulb, which is an alternative to the old 50-watt bulbs which have now been phased out, is estimated to save £158.40 over the course of its considerable life span.

The life span itself is also a vital advantage for the LED. The lighting solutions which are used every day, such as overhead lounge lights or under cupboard kitchen lights are required to have long life spans; if a standard 6-watt LED light bulb was used for five hours every day, it would last for just over sixteen years. These figures are even more astounding for things such as bathroom lighting, which is not consistently used, or feature lighting which is used decoratively and not in an extensive manner; life spans for bulbs used for these purposes can reach more than twenty years.

The prices of LEDs are also decreasing as they become easier to manufacture due to more technological developments. A standard LED GLS 6-Watt Light Bulb, which is used as an alternative to traditional 60-watt bulbs, costs a little over £12.99, and with consideration given to the life span and the energy savings these bulbs boast, they can be said to have paid for themselves within a year.  With the initial prices decreasing and the energy savings ever attractive to consumers, TIME magazine’s prediction that 2013 will be the year of the LED might not be far wide of the mark.

The Right Bulb For The Right Purpose

Light bulbs are a integral to the overall ambience of a home. They can be used to create effective mood lighting, and with clever use of colour temperatures they can give a room a very specific ‘feel’. But this can only be achieved by matching the right lighting solution to the right room. This guide outlines the main rooms in the house and offers suggestions on how to make the best of the space using just the most basic of solutions; light.

Living Room

The living room is the heart of the house, the place where the majority of people spend most of their time, and the place where most entertaining takes place. As such,the living room should be a warm and inviting space where people feel comfortable and relaxed. Light bulbs with warm temperatures are a great choice for living spaces; in previous years this could usually be achieved with an incandescent light bulb, which has a temperature of 2,700 Kelvins, but with advances in lighting technology, energy-saving LED light bulbs can now be used to replicate this comforting and hospitable ambience.

Bedroom

The bedroom is also a place for a warm ambience, but without the brightness and vitality which is associated with living spaces. Mood lighting, feature lamps and dimmable LED light bulbs are recommended  for the bedroom, as they can be tailored to the demands of the room. Getting ready for work on a dark winter morning will require a higher level of light than reclining in bed reading a book or catching up with some television; the flexible level of light offered by these different lighting solutions is befitting of this multipurpose room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is also a well-used room in the house, with many people choosing to double up this room as a dining room. Cooking and eating requires a high level of light, with bright and vibrant daylight shades often chosen for the kitchen. Energy-saving daylight bulbs keep the room brightly illuminated and create a fresh ambience perfect for early evening meals or revitalising breakfasts. Installing track lighting on the underside of kitchen cabinets is also a great lighting solution for this space, and gives people optimum illumination for preparing their meals.

Bathroom

The bathroom is a tricky room to light because of the excess condensation and steam which will inevitably be a frequent occurrence. Downlighters are a great solution for this room, as their waterproof qualities prevent any electrical malfunctions, and they can be spaced at intervals which offer even and constant light. Lighted mirrors are also a popular choice, with LED technology incorporated into the mirrored surface to leave no dark spots or hidden areas when shaving or applying make-up.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Timed Energy Saving Lighting Solutions for Enhanced Home Protection

The early months of the year are traditionally strong months for holiday bookings with families, friends and couples attempting to stave off the winter gloom and give themselves something to look forward to. When booking holidays there are a number of things that should be considered besides the holiday itself. Getting someone to look after the dog or feed the cat may be troublesome, but protecting a home from burglars whilst away is a simple task. Lighting timers are a great way to make it look as though someone is home when the property is empty, although this does mean that lights will be left on for long periods of time; especially those on landings or in hallways. Not wanting to return from holiday to discover a shockingly large electricity bill, kitting out the house with energy-saving light bulbs not only relieves pressure on the wallet but plays a part in helping the environment too.

The Energy Saving GU10 Light Bulb is generally considered to be one of the best alternatives to the standard halogen bulbs. They give off the same amount of light as their incandescent predecessors and they manage to save large amounts of energy in the process, perfect for times when they will be left on for long periods of time. The savings on electricity can reach up to 80% and prices start from around £3.99, which makes them ideal for placing in hallways or on landings whilst away on holiday.

The other most popular way to replace energy wasting halogen bulbs is to use Energy Saving GLS Bulbs. Like the GU10s, these are considered to be the direct replacements to the older bulbs and fit straight into the lighting fixtures that were vacated by the older models. Their Edison Screw or Bayonet Cap bases are compatible with the most prevalent lighting fixtures in the UK, so it is easy to simply switch from energy-wasting to energy-savvy without having to rewire any fittings or replace any bulb holders. GLS bulbs are inexpensive and environmentally friendly, with similar energy-saving credentials to the GU10 bulbs. They come mainly in the familiar ‘bulb-like’ shape that many people are used to, and are available in different colour temperatures so the aesthetic of the home need not be altered by a switch to energy-efficiency. 

Lighting timers can also be used in conjunction with dimmable energy saving light bulbs. Rather than blasting a bulb at full power for long periods of time whilst the homeowners are away, they can simply set their bulbs to turn on at a much dimmer brightness using even less energy and still giving the illusion that people are home. A great way to keep up the impression that the house is occupied and keep potential criminals at bay, the use of dimmer lights during the evening is a more convincing image for the observant burglar than a house full of bright lights.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: The Basics

It is a common misconception that the energy-saving light bulb is a relatively new invention. It was, however, first invented back in the 1940s in collaboration between George Inman and General Electric. Known as a ‘compact fluorescent bulb’ or a CFL, these energy-efficient bulbs work on entirely different principles than the incandescent bulbs invented by Thomas Edison. As they begin to come to prevalence over the conventional older bulbs, it is important for the public to understand how CFLs differ from incandescent bulbs, and why they are a more efficient lighting solution for the vast majority of homes and businesses.

CFL bulbs function as a result of an electric current passing through a mixture of argon gas and mercury vapour. As the current passes through the mixed substance, the mercury vapour emits an ultraviolet light, which then interacts with a layer of phosphor on the side of the CFL. This emits photons in the visible light range and illuminates the area. This is why CFLs initially need more electricity and take a few seconds to ‘warm up’; the electric current flow must be generated to an appropriate level before the bulb hits its full brightness. Once this flow has reached its maximum amount a CFL uses a good deal less energy than an incandescent bulb to provide the same level of illumination. 

The main difference between energy-efficient light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs is that the newer, more eco-conscious models have no filament. Incandescent bulbs rely on heating this filament to produce light, so without such a process in place, the new bulbs reduce the amount of heat energy wasted by massive amounts. The lack of filament also means that there are less parts to ‘burn out’ or falter as time goes on. CFLs have life spans that can reach into the decades depending on their usage; the initial price of the CFL is slightly higher than an incandescent bulb, but their longevity ensures they will outlive their energy-wasting predecessors and end up saving money in the process. 

The energy-saving bulbs that are on the shelves today come in a vast variety of shapes and wattages, with different bases to ensure that those wishing to install them need not make wholesale changes to their electrical configurations. They are available for use with dimmable switches as well as spotlights and other decorative or feature lighting, making them one of the most diverse ways to light up a room. Their cost-effective nature combined with their green credentials, which are always being improved upon in the latest technological advancements, are just two of the many reasons why the switch to CFLs and energy-saving lighting solutions cannot be ignored.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are the fastest growing lighting solution on the planet, with many thousands of people choosing them for their higher levels of efficiency and their consistently bright light. Becoming increasingly popular, experts are trying to hone the technology even further in order to get the very best results out of these energy saving light bulbs. Experts at Dundee University are taking up the challenge of enhancing the LED market with a major European research project which aims to revolutionise lighting all across the world.

The premise of the project is to create a whole new generation of LED light bulbs which emit white light. They would be more efficient than existing bulbs and other LEDs, and if they were successfully developed in a way that would make them affordable for consumers and viable to mass-produce, they could help to reduce global CO2 emissions and energy consumption.

White LEDs currently have an efficiency rating of around 25%. This is still higher than halogen and incandescent bulbs, which expend the vast majority of their energy through wasteful heat energy, but the percentages can be improved upon with this study. The researchers in Dundee are aiming to create a white LED which would be around 50%-60% efficient; a huge improvement and a quantum leap in the world of energy saving lighting. Energy consumption for everyday users would be vastly decreased, resulting in much smaller energy bills, and the eco-conscious element of the bulbs means much less contribution to a person carbon footprint. The new LEDs also offer users improved control over aspects such as brightness and tone, which can be a unique selling point for purposes such as feature or commercial lighting.

The research is just the latest in a long-line of technology-enhancing projects regarding LED light bulbs that are commencing or coming to fruition. One such LED bulb that has recently been introduced, can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. These so-called ‘intelligent’ light bulbs are entirely controlled through WiFi systems. They can change colour at the touch of a button and the light levels across the home can be controlled from this one handheld focal point. Many companies are also undertaking research to make their bulbs brighter and more efficient for less energy, paving the way for LED light bulbs to become ubiquitous in years to come.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com