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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bring on Spring with BLT Direct’s Range of Daylight Light Bulbs

Spring is approaching at what seems to be snail’s pace; the mornings and evenings are steadily getting lighter and despite monumentally bad weather across the country in recent weeks, temperatures seem to be finally climbing. The freshness of spring can be kick-started by using daylight light bulbs, which have been created specifically to imitate that rejuvenating and pleasant glow of sunlight rather than the artificial ‘yellow’ created by many light bulbs. If a home feels dull and has suffered the effects of a long and bleak winter, brightening it up with some cleverly placed daylight light bulbs can help it appear as though spring as sprung much sooner.

Lighting colours are measured on a scale called the Kelvin (K) scale. Lower colour ‘temperatures’ contain more red light and appear warmer, whilst those with a higher blue content appear to be colder. Standard light bulbs sit at around 2700K, closer to red than blue, whereas daylight bulbs are much closer to natural light at around 6500K. Swapping an older bulb for one of these more natural looking modern bulbs can brighten the home and have a whole range of other benefits besides.

Lifestyle-wise, using light bulbs which imitate daylight shades within the home has a range of advantages for all members of the family. Research has found that using such bulbs in schools or places of work results in lower levels of fatigue and higher levels of concentration, with academic or work-related performance levels boosted in the presence of these bulbs. Eye strain is lessened, and general well-being is improved, making the swap to these bulbs a necessary change for those who find winter a tough time of year.

Disregarding the benefit that a more natural type of illumination will bring to any home, the next most important aspect of these daylight bulbs is their energy-saving credentials. Many last for up to 8,000 hours and boast the ability to reduce running costs by around 80%. A standard GU10 energy-saving light bulb in a daylight shade will last for approximately 8,000 hours and over the course of this incredible life span, will end up saving the users around £31.68 on their electricity bills.

Switching to daylight lighting solutions does not have to mean ripping out all existing fixtures and fittings and installing new ones. The vast majority of these bulbs on the market today come with the popular Edison screw or bayonet cap bases, which are the most commonly encountered bases in many homes. The energy-saving GLS 11-watt daylight light bulb are considered to be like for like replacements for the familiar GLS bulbs, except the focus is placed less on the yellow-tinged light and more on a refreshing, daylight-style illumination. They can be swapped simply and easily and will integrate into any home immediately.

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EEM – The Energy Efficient Mortgage

An increased mortgage scheme from the 1980s has seen a resurgence in popularity in America, as future homeowner attempt to make their properties more compatible with green energy solutions. The EEM stands for an Energy Efficient Mortgage, and features a larger loan which buyers can use to convert to energy-efficient power sources across the entire property. This could include solar panels, LED light bulbs, double glazing and insulation.

Research has showed that residential energy consumption in the USA has declined year-on-year since the 1990s, which is a remarkable statistic when taking into consideration the amount of technology which has been implemented into homes in this time. The decrease has been put down to increased awareness of energy issues, and also on the emphasis placed on schemes such as replacing incandescent light solutions with their energy-saving light bulb counterparts. The EEM mortgages help to fund these types of upgrades for all houses and will surely contribute to an even lower rate of consumption in the homes of those who take out such mortgages.

The loans amount to no more than 5% of the original property value, but a home which is fully equipped with the latest energy-saving lighting solutions, insulation equipment and energy-efficient technology can end up being sold for much more than it was originally purchased for. ‘Green’ homes are more attractive to buyers nowadays and the installation of such features can add thousands to asking prices. These environmentally-friendly additions to the home will also help the homeowner to save money whilst they are residents there; their energy costs will decline by an incredible amount, with savings on heating and electricity almost guaranteed for a home which has been renovated to ensure efficiency. Also, though the loan is significantly larger than the original price of the mortgage and the property, the extra amount granted to buyers does not increase their down payment and it has no effect on their interest rate. It is simply added to the existing loan, and the terms of the original mortgage apply.

The Energy Efficient Mortgage has not taken off in the UK to the extent that it has in the USA as of yet, but with many lenders and banks introducing green incentives and assistance to their customers wishing to go ‘green’, the advantages of converting to sustainable and energy-saving power sources and accessories are plentiful. Not only are savings almost guaranteed from the minimised use of power from energy companies, who charge over the odds for their services, homeowner are contributing to the future by providing ecologically sound homes for their children and grandchildren.

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Offset Carbon Footprints and Energy Bills Simultaneously With Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

Temperatures have severely dropped all across the UK in recent weeks, and after a relatively mild December and Christmas season, the freezing cold weather has started to hit many parts of the country. Snow and ice has hit the roads and a bitter wind is making temperatures dip below freezing more often than many would like. This has the knock-on effect of much more energy being consumed within homes in order to keep them warm and protected from the elements; with energy rates always rising and the environment’s ecological state considered to be deteriorating, many are wondering how they can offset the funds and energy they will spend on keeping their homes heated this winter. One of the best ways to achieve this is by swapping conventional light bulbs for the more modern energy-saving lighting solutions which consume less energy, provide more light and save money in the long run.

Switching to LED lights or other types of energy-saving light bulb is an extremely simple process. Many of the newer bulbs have identical bases to their older counterparts, so they can easily be swapped over without a fuss. There is no need to have extra lighting fixtures fitted, and no need for extraordinary measures in order to accommodate this new technology.

The initial outlay of these bulbs might be considerably more than a traditional bulb, but their significantly longer life-span and lower energy consumption results in much higher savings in the long run, helping to offset those cold winters for years to come. These bulbs can save more than £50.00 in electricity bills over the course of their lifetime, with some savings even estimated at more than £100.00; running costs in general are reduced by 70%. These calculations are for each and every bulb, and so the heating bills will almost pay themselves once the house is lit by energy-saving light bulbs.

The lower level of energy consumption is also desirable for those who wish to ‘go green’, as is common with many who are concerned about the state of the planet. Cutting one’s own carbon footprint is the best way to be pro-active about making this planet more eco-friendly, and using energy-efficient lighting solutions is an important step in this process. The bulbs have a better light quality than their incandescent predecessors, and there appear to be only advantages regarding these bulbs, especially where lighting the home in the cold winter season is concerned.

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Energy Saving Light Bulb Disposal: A Guide

Energy saving lighting solutions are becoming more and more prevalent in the homes and businesses of today, as people look to cut energy costs and become more aware of the carbon footprints that their energy consumption leaves behind. The advantages of using these bulbs are seemingly endless; they last for much longer than regular bulbs, they burn brighter, they consume far less energy and they are environmentally-friendly. But with the surge in popularity of these lighting solutions, there also comes the question of how to dispose of these bulbs.

Disposing of energy saving light bulbs properly is vital in the bid to protect the environment, as each one contains an average of five milligrams of mercury. If exposed due to incorrect disposal of these bulbs, this small amount can pollute much larger amounts of air and water. Though the mercury is utterly harmless when encased within the bulb, if the glass is broken and the mercury escapes during the disposal of the bulb, they can pose risks both to the public and to the environment.

When disposing of these types of bulb, it is important to understand that they should only be thrown away into normal bins if there is no other option, and even then, they should be wrapped tightly in plastic bags which are sealed. Alternatively, there are many recycling stations across the UK which handle hazardous materials and understand how to get rid of such items which are potentially harmful.

If one of these energy-saving light bulbs is smashed, it is also important to take the right precautions. All windows should be opened and the room should be completely cleared for at least fifteen minutes. Disposable rubber gloves and stiff cardboard or paper should be used to collect the glass fragments, with adhesive tape used to collect any excess powder. The entire area can be cleaned thoroughly with a wet wipe, and once all of the debris has been collected and cleared, the normal recycling instructions should be followed.

The great advantage of using energy saving LED bulbs is that they will often last for decades, or even lifetimes, and will rarely burn out or need to be replaced, minimising the amount of times these procedures will need to be carried out. But with the energy saving bulb becoming more and more common, it is important that the general public understand how to correctly dispose of their waste lighting solutions, as well as clear up any breakages which may occur as a result of an accident.

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