Back in 2007 the UK government announced its plan to cut the country’s carbon dioxide emissions by five million tonnes a year by phasing out traditional incandescent light bulbs and replacing them with energy efficient lighting. LED light bulbs use around 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last up to 10 times longer and are far better for the environment.
100 watt incandescent light bulbs were first to go, and now the time has come to say goodbye to their 60 watt counterparts. Under EU rules, shops are no longer permitted to order new stocks of clear 60 watt traditional incandescent light bulbs. The final stage of the plan is scheduled to take place in September 2012, when all remaining clear incandescent bulbs (including 25 watt and 40 watt) will be phased out.
In 2010, a UN study found if every nation replaced incandescent lighting with energy efficient options, the world’s electricity demand for lighting would be reduced dramatically and save approximately 800 million tonnes of emissions.
So why should you choose LED lighting when those final incandescent bulbs leave the shelves?
For a start, they are very efficient. LED light bulbs use up to 90% of their electrical energy as light and only lose around 10% as heat. Compare this to incandescent bulbs, which waste a massive 80% on heat. Lower energy consumption results in greatly reduced electricity bills.
Everybody is becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and an increasing number of people want to do something about it. By using LED light bulbs, you can significantly cut down your energy consumption. This in turn burns fewer fossil fuels, reducing the level of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. LED light bulbs, unlike fluorescent bulbs, do not contain mercury or any other toxic chemicals, nor do they produce any UV radiation.
It is only a matter of time before other countries follow those who have already made the commitment to addressing the issue of carbon emissions. Make your contribution to the cause by embracing LED lights – you won’t regret it!
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