Going green is all about the little things too. Being able to install solar panels, buying eco-friendly furniture, or buying a shiny, new fuel efficient car are all amazing things that help our environment, but in reality these things may not be all that easy for many of us to do! However, you don’t have to start off green with steps this big…you can start off with baby steps, and as simple as switching up the lighting in your home to still make a big difference in the long run. For tiny tips on going green in a big way, read on!

Energy Efficient Bulbs:

The easiest place to start when replacing lighting in your home, are the lightbulbs themselves. LED lightbulbs are among the best all-around. They can reduce up to 90% of energy consumption and last a ridiculously long time (100,000 hours). Another benefit to these little guys is speed, as they light up faster than the average household bulb! The only downfall — they’re pricier than the other option, CFL, that we’re about to explain.

CFL bulbs, or compact florescent lightbulbs, are another great alternative to the standard incandescent. These are the swirly ones you’ve surely noticed on the store shelves. They use only a quarter of the energy that standard lightbulbs use, they last around 10,000 hours, and are only slightly more expensive. They don’t fully light up as quickly as LEDs and standard bulbs, but that’s a small price to pay for such big benefits!

Either way, you can’t go wrong. Both LEDs and CFLs will pay for themselves in a short amount of time because of their significant energy saving potential. Another plus, because they don’t use as much energy, they don’t heat up like a normal lightbulb would and this is much safer for the home! All around, there’s no reason not to try out these power saving bulbs!

Side Note:

Eventually, your lightbulbs will need to be replaced regardless of which type you opt for. If you have a CFL bulb or any other florescent lighting, be sure to get rid of them properly! Because they contain mercury, the trash is no place to throw them out! Look up what bulb recycling is in your area and follow the rules carefully. Although LED lights don’t contain mercury, you still want to be cautious about disposing them! 

Eco-Friendly Lighting Fixtures:

Since we’re on the topic of saving energy, how about amping up the savings by creating an entirely green lamp? Look for lamps made from recycled or organic material for another good way to save the environment. Not only will they save precious resources, but the natural look is trending! If you don’t have any luck finding an eco-friendly lamp that matches your decor, think DIY and create your own eco-friendly lamp to create a look you love!