by Lee Gee

Created on: July 01, 2007

Saving money on lighting is probably the most easily accessible and easily implemented form of environmentalism and energy saving. A number of systems can be put in place to achieve a saving on lighting.

1. Commonsense - Be more efficient and vigilant at switching off when leaving a room.
2. Candles - Stylish and scented, cool for setting mood and they're inexpensive.

3. Energy efficient light bulbs - So effective they pay for themselves in no time.
4. Solar power - Garden lamps are the start of utilizing the sun for domestic lighting.
5. Dimmer switch - A great addition to add mood lighting and they save money.

It can be more difficult in a family with children but switching off lights when leaving a room isn't too hard to implement. It only take a couple of days keeping on top of it, having a zero tolerance attitude to switching off and everyone will soon get the message. There really is no excuse for not doing it because in 99% of cases you have to pass the switch when leaving a room.

Unless you are reading you can always cope with having less light in a room. Candles give a softer light, are inexpensive, romantic, fashionable to have in the home and effortless to introduce. Available in many colors, styles and scents, candles are a realistic option for savings to be made on lighting.

We've seen the introduction of low power solar garden lamps in garden centers and other stores. A far more appropriate method of having lights outdoors in an environmentally conscious world trying to conserve energy.

Possible to be added to any electric light, dimmer switches are an integral part of my life. It's just not plausible to swap bulbs for lesser wattages when I want a softer lighting in a room. They're easy to install as room switches and also to attach to desk lamps and standard lamps with minimal electrical knowledge, but do follow their instructions. Some light switches, including dimmers, are available with integrated sensors which switch themselves off by detecting if anyone is in the room. A more expensive technology but worth consideration.

Most methods of saving on lighting save energy and money. It really is cost effective and easy to start saving. By no means do you have to start implementing all the saving methods at once but it is time that everyone should be using energy efficient bulbs as at least 90% of their domestic bulbs. Try to implement a new saving every month and you'll soon see the savings on your utility bills and become more energy efficient.

Saving energy and money on lighting is all about awareness. Be aware which areas are wasting energy and money and be aware what you can do to improve those areas.

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