Okay so you switched off some lights. Well done, you.
... but wouldn’t it be better if your light bulbs were more efficient to begin with?

That way, when you use these more efficient light bulbs sparingly...you’re actually being twice as efficient!

But first we have to know what types of light bulbs there actually are.

In fact, few actions could reduce carbon emissions as cheaply and easily as the phase-out of inefficient lighting, making it one of the most effective and economically advantageous ways to combat climate change.

For more information, please visit the punny folks at http://www.enlighten-initiative.org/ - seriously, their work has been so... illuminating.

The first type of light bulbs are incandescent light bulbs - traditional incandescent light bulbs operate at 20% energy efficiency only, and 80% of the electricity is lost as heat. 

Not that bright after all, eh?

The second type of light bulbs are known as Compact Flourescent Light (CFL) bulbs.

A CFL has a higher purchase price than an incandescent lamp, but can save over five times its purchase price in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime.

The third type of light bulbs are Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs.

For you and me, the main benefits of LED fixtures are clear: they’re energy efficient, can last for more than 20 years and, in many cases, give off good light. Because they use less energy, LEDs will save money over incandescents, and, because they last longer, than compact flourescent bulbs as well. 

They usually cost more than incandescent and CFL bulbs. But imagine how much more you'll save in the long run!

Want to know how to better choose an LED lamp? Click here.

The conclusion is simple - stop living in the dark. Stop using inefficient incandescent light bulbs in your homes.

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