We've talked a blue streak about energy efficient lights in this blog, extolling the bug-limiting virtues of Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the dimmable capabilities of Compact fluorescents (CFLs). When we first launched our real-time monitoring project, we conducted an analysis of Killowatts and temperatures of three different types of bulbs, in order to determine which ones were the coolest. (And by this, we meant cool, as in temperature cool).
I recently stumbled upon another reason to embrace energy efficient, cool-burning bulbs: creative lighting. Although a bit of research turned up the hard truth that the pictured lampshade (seen at Paper Trail, Rhinebeck, NY) is made of heat-resistant Tyvek, it looks like paper, even up close. And the bulb inside is a CFL. As we become more inventive about our lighting choices, it makes sense to ensure that we are making smart, long-lasting, and resilient choices. Could an incandescent bulb do this? I wouldn't want to find out.
As we begin to focus on preparing to send our kids back to school, stocking up on socks, underpants, and a decent pair of shoes, stock up on energy efficient bulbs, too. Make sure your college-bound student doesn't have to wander out to replace her reading light late on Tuesday night, and make sure your son isn't putting a lampshade ... made of paper... on an incandescent bulb. Smart, money saving choices aren't always beautiful. This one is. Stock up on efficiency.
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