Going Green: New Eco-Friendly Lighting Options for Your Home

If you’re like the majority of Americans, you care about the environment — so much so that you’re willing to change your spending habits to go green. According to a recent survey by Information Resources, Inc., a leading provider of retail market intelligence, half of all U.S. consumers consider at least one eco-friendly factor when shopping for consumer products, and it appears green living is taking root at home. “Whether you’re motivated by environmental benefits or long-term cost savings, demand for eco-friendly home products is at an all-time high,” says Jeff Dross, senior product manager at Kichler Lighting who also is a member of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. “Increased demand means companies are coming to the table with new green home solutions, from sustainable furniture to organic sheets and everything in between.” If you’re looking for new ways to go eco-friendly at home, one of the easiest places to start is with your lighting. Today’s green lighting isn’t limited to the fluorescent light bulbs we’ve all been quick to purchase. LEDs are gaining in popularity as a viable — and affordable — home lighting source. In the past, this energy-efficient, semi-conducting light source was used only in bold outdoor signage and in electronic equipment displays, such as the clock on your DVD player. In addition, LED used to mean unattractive blue hues and an expensive price tag, limiting its use in the home. Recent strides, however, have created an LED with the same bright white output as incandescent lighting. Plus there is an affordable price tag to go with it. Other benefits of LED lighting include:

• Energy/Cost Savings: LED lighting uses 75 percent less electricity than the standard incandescent light sources we use in our homes. Think of the savings for your electricity bill over time!
• Longer Life: LEDs offer an average 20 years of use — 50 times longer than the incandescent light bulb. You’d have to buy more than 50 regular light bulbs to equal the service life offered by a single LED.

One of the latest buzz-generating LED products is Kichler’s Design Pro LED under cabinet lighting. Not only does this new solution use 75 percent less electricity than typical under cabinet lighting, it’s virtually invisible because it’s only half an inch thick. National TV programs and magazines have been singing its praises, and it even earned the prestigious Lighting for Tomorrow Award, the lighting industry’s highest honor for energy-efficient products. Because landscape lighting is left on for extended periods, it’s important to use energy-efficient lighting outside too. Kichler also offers LED products for the outdoors, including products for your deck,and steps, as well as accent lights for use throughout your landscape. Even though LED lighting is in the spotlight, don’t forget about fluorescent lighting. It too continues to make important strides. Kichler, for example, offers more than 100 energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures in a variety of finishes and designs for every area of the home. Making energy efficient home improvements doesn’t have to mean sweeping changes. Starting with a simple change in lighting you can save time and money and also help the environment. For more on Kichler’s energy efficient lighting products, visit www.kichler.com or call (888) 659-8809.