Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Greener all the time

Here's another great idea that I found from the Eartheasy.com people for saving some money, if you're willing to spend some money up front.  LED light bulbs for everyday use.

Now I know that most people are gonna freak out about paying an average price of $35 for a light bulb.  Hell, I find myself flinching as I type that figure.  But the savings over the projected life span of the bulbs you are replacing can be enough to justify the expense, maybe.  (Updated)
The comparison charts presented in the linked article are pretty compelling but are based on the idea that you replace all of your bulbs at one time to realize a savings of about $1,000.00 over the life of the product.  That really should be translated into a annual or daily savings and then we could get a real life figure to use for making what is a serious financial decision for everyone I know.  $35 for light bulb!?! Are you kidding?!!!

Well, no, I'm not kidding.  Because the Mercury in each of the CFL bulbs that most of us are switching to is considered a hazardous waste and you're not supposed to be pitching those things into the trash.  THAT will have serious consequences to our environment.  Mercury is nasty stuff you know!

So, anyway, as the production of LED light bulbs for household use evolves into a more cost effective production method, we can all switch to a more Earth friendly alternative that will save you even more money because of the reduce purchase price of the LED light bulb as compared to a standard bulb or an CFL bulb.  I invite you to file this idea away somehow to allow you to follow the development of these LED household bulbs because it's gonna save you money while saving the environment.

I've shamelessly lifted the following chart of types of LED bulbs in an attempt to make more of an impact on you so you can remember to switch to these bulbs for every one's benefit including good ol' Mother Earth.

Thanks for stopping by.  Let's get out there and finish Christmas shopping and make it a great day!


The common styles of LED bulbs available for household use include the following:
ZetaLux LED bulb

Diffused bulbs

In this style LED bulb, clusters of LEDs are covered by a dimpled lens which spreads the light out over a wider area. Available in standard Edison bases, these bulbs have many uses, such as area lighting for rooms, porches, reading lamps, accent lamps, hallways and low-light applications where lights remain on for extended periods. 
more info
EvoLux LED bulb

Diffused high power bulbs

Designed for standard household use, these bulbs produce light equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb. The EvoLux (pictured), and ZetaLux (pictured above) are the first UL Listed and FCC approved LED light bulbs for general household illumination. 
more info
LED track light bulb
Track Lighting
Available in pin base or standard (Edison) base, LEDs are ideal for track lighting. LEDs do not contribute to heat buildup in a room because no matter how long they remain on, they do not get hot to the touch. Also, because they are 90% more efficient than incandescents, and last 10 times longer than CFLs, the frequency of changing bulbs is greatly reduced. 
more info
LED recessed bulb and module
Recessed Downlight and Spotlight bulbs
LEDs are now available for standard recessed lighting pots and housings. The light output and color quality are similar to incandescent downlights, but draws only about one-fifth of the power. Also, because they are 90% more efficient than incandescents. and last 10 times longer than CFLs, the frequency of changing bulbs is greatly reduced.
 more info

LED spotlight
Spotlight and Floodlight LEDs
The spotlight LED lacks a dispersing lens, so it appears brighter as its light is directed forward. It runs cool and will last over 50,000 hours due to advanced thermal management design. The floodlight model gives a spread-out dispersed light. Well suited for ceiling lights, outdoor floodlights. retail display lighting, landscape lighting and motion sensors. 
more info
Update: Jetson Green has already been able to reduce the price if manufacturing and is ready to release a new LED bulb.  Just watch as this technology evolves and becomes the standard.  I challenge y'all to jump on this band wagon when the price is right.  Let's change out all of our bulbs, one at at time, as they fail and lead the way with this new idea.

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