It's a Bright Idea

You probably know that traditional incandescent light bulbs are on their way out, due to new efficiency standards signed into law by President Bush in 2007, and scheduled to go into effect in October of this year.

By requiring that light bulbs use at least 25 percent less electricity, the law effectively dooms the traditional bulbs, which waste most of their energy by converting it to heat instead of light.

Newer bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are much more energy-efficient, saving you money in the long run on both purchase costs and on your electric bill because they last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs and require less energy to run.

The two main complaints about CFLs are the quality of the light they cast and problems with disposal due to the small amount of mercury used in the bulbs. In truth, the light quality has been getting better and better so that the newest Energy Star-qualified "soft white" CFL bulbs come close to matching the warm light of traditional bulbs. And, although it is important to know that you cannot throw CFLs in your normal trash, you can easily collect burned-out bulbs and take them to the upper area of the Summit Transfer Station.

LEDs, the other main option, are getting better all the time, and come even closer to matching the light quality of incandescent bulbs. Although more expensive to buy, they last far longer--some newer LEDs have a life span of 50,000 hours, compared to around 1,000 for incandescents and 10,000 for CFLs. LEDs offer the most cost-effective method of lighting, and can be used in some places that are not particularly well-suited to CFLs, like cold areas or areas with vibrations or movements (like a boat).

Summit electrician (and Brayton parent) Oliver Browne is a big fan of LEDs: "This type of lighting has become more affordable to the average homeowner. In my opinion, LEDs are the best option for energy saving and long life lighting. Unlike CFLs, LEDs are compatible with all dimmers and go instantly to full on. LED retro kits for existing recessed lighting are widely available, and it makes good economic sense to have these installed in areas where lights are continuously on, such as kitchens and basements where teenagers run amok!"

CFLs and LEDs are available at discounted prices through the NJ Clean Energy Program, but are also widely available in local commercial sites like Summit Electric (520 Morris Ave. in Summit), the big box hardware stores, and even grocery stores, as well as online through 1000 bulbs and other sites.

So lighten up! Give CFLs or LEDs a try.

By Beth Lovejoy, on behalf of the Summit Environmental Commission