Growing green bulbs

Three websites that offer illuminating alternatives to conventional light bulbs.

Dan Shenk | March 2008 issue

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy-efficient lighting can reduce power consumption by up to 75 percent. So why don’t more people use eco-bulbs? Part of the reason has been that early bulbs could be costly and unreliable. They came in strange shapes and sizes, often emanating a weak unnatural light. Now, however, environmentally friendly fixtures boast a splendid array of warm glows and attractive forms.

Most compact fluorescent bulbs can save you money, once you factor in longevity and energy consumption. Still, that trip to the “green” shelf at the hardware store can be confusing. These websites offer some illuminating alternatives.

Great Britain’s Go Green Lights (www.gogreenlights.co.uk) is all about bulbs, with answers to questions concerning lifespan and colour. Charts are provided to compare watt usage and light output with traditional bulbs. For example, a 6,000-watt eco-bulb can outlive up to six incandescent bulbs, while consuming a quarter of the energy. The “Essential Info” section illustrates the fittings for sale with clear diagrams, while the “Cash Savings” page outlines the financial upsides to eco-friendly lighting. If the U-shaped fluorescents that often typify “green living” don’t fit your decor, Go Green Lights offers traditional shapes and sizes as well. For an impartial assessment of the energy you’re saving, European Union Energy Ratings are included whenever possible.

In the U.S., Conserv-a-store (www.conservastore.com) sells eco-gadgetry to support dozens of different types of home improvement; green lighting is just one way to go. Conserv-a-store offers long-lasting light sources, including floodlights, capsule tubes and candelabra forms. Product descriptions explain longevity and savings; for more technical details, click the hyperlinked model number at the top of each blurb. The “News and Views” section includes a blog and a newsletter, and “Solar Products” features information on alternative lighting solutions.

Once you’ve found a bulb that fits your needs, a fixture from Eco-Lights.com might be the next step. Eco-Lights, a subsidiary of California’s Green Culture (www.greenculture.com), sports products that conserve energy in style. Designs range from classic to modern; Tiffany glass sparkles next to sleek chrome finishes. The search engine allows users to browse according to wattage, voltage, style and colour. The site offers an inspired collection of designs bearing the EPA’s Energy Star label, which confirms that your products have met numerous government-set requirements regarding energy efficiency.