Issues > January/February 2007 (#118) > Energy-Efficient Reading Lamps

about JENNIFER USCHER

Jennifer Uscher lives in Brooklyn, New York, and has written for Nature Conservancy, Audubon and Organic Style.

More By JENNIFER USCHER

page 2 of 2 | PREV 1 | 2 

Photo: Energy-Efficient Reading Lamps

The GreenLite CFL-suited Organizer desk lamp is Energy Star-rated, which means that it must use one-third the energy of conventional lighting, distribute light more efficiently and evenly and the bulb must last at least 10,000 hours ($24.95; www.energyfederation.org/consumer, 800-379-4121).

Table Lamps: Ikea's Kroby lamp has a mouth-blown glass shade and takes either a CFL or a standard incandescent ($19.99; www.ikea.com, 800-434-4532).

The Energy Star-rated Good Earth Barrington table lamp is suitable for a 30W CFL (equal to a 120W incandescent) ($63.95; www.energyfederation.org/consumer, 800-379-4121).

Standing/Floor Lamps

The Good Earth adjustable full spectrum floor lamp is Energy Starrated and takes a 23W full spectrum fluorescent bulb ($64; www.lowes.com, 800-890-5932).

The LEDs in Levenger's Infinity floor lamp emit a focused beam of light and use just 2W. The lamp's compact profile (the base is just 71/2 inches in diameter) makes it ideal for tight spaces ($148; www.levenger.com, 800-667-8034).

Multipurpose/Portable

A solar-powered, portable 1W LED lamp, the Mightylight was developed to give people in developing countries a safer and less polluting alternative to kerosene lamps. It's waterproof and can be used as a flashlight, reading lamp, ceiling light or for camping trips ($50; www.cosmosignite. com).

Sylvania's new LED Dot It lights are handy multipurpose lights that run for 100 hours off three AAA batteries. An adhesive backing allows them to be placed anywhere additional lighting is needed ($9.95; www.amazon.com).

A Note on Disposal

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so search earth911.org for recycling centers in your community (click on "Household Hazardous Waste"). Ikea stores also recycle CFLs; for other disposal sites, see lamprecycle.org. Where recycling is unavailable, place the CFL in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of at your local hazardous household waste collection site. While LED lights don't contain mercury or toxic gases, some do contain lead, as do incandescent bulbs. Dispose of both products as hazardous household waste.

For more tips on lighting and how to use CFLs in other lighting fixtures, see the Light Bulbs Product Report at www.thegreenguide. com/reports.

PREV 1 | 2 

Filed under: Energy efficiency, Lightbulbs, Lighting, Green homes

Green Guide 118 | January/February 2007 | Budget-Minded