How To Light Your Home in a Sustainable Way
If you want your home to be more environmentally friendly or are looking to cut some fat off your electric bill, read our guide on how to light your home in a sustainable way. You’ll find some tips that’ll help!
Switch to LED Bulbs
If you haven’t already, the first step to embracing sustainable lighting for your home is to switch to LED bulbs over incandescent. LED bulbs aren’t just about promoting sustainability; they’ll also help you save on your electric bill. On average, an LED bulb uses 75 percent less electricity and lasts 25 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb.
Keep the Shades Open
Let there be light! Keep your lights off during the daytime as much as you can, and open up your house to more natural light. It’ll use less energy and make your home feel more natural and welcoming. If you’re worried about privacy, consider blinds with slats or window film, which lets in natural light but still affords privacy.
Go Open With Your Floor Plan
If you’re designing a home and want to keep sustainability in mind, go with open space as much as you can. Keeping your floor plan open with minimal walls will make it easier for you to light larger areas of your home with fewer light sources. Plus, open floor plans are the trendy design for many homes today.
Brighten the Walls
Dark walls can look great, but they also absorb light and make rooms look and feel darker. Brightening up your walls with some white or colorful paint or wallpaper can make your home more sustainable, as fewer and less powerful lights are required for illumination in a brightly colored room.
Use Recycled Fixtures
When you’re shopping for new light fixtures, consider where and how the fixtures were made. Many handmade light fixtures now incorporate recycled materials such as glass. Or you can always make your own with whatever materials you have around the house, including old glass bottles, cans, and jars.
Use Lamps and Task Lighting
Large overhead lights use the most energy, so avoid them by employing more task lighting and lamps throughout your home. Instead of using the overhead kitchen light, use only the recessed lights you need for cooking, or use a reading lamp in your living room instead of the prominent overhead fixture.
As you can see, there are many ways to light your home in a sustainable way. Using these tips will not only make your home greener for the environment but also help you save a few bucks on your electric bill each month!