Simple steps to going green

May 28, 5:31 PMSeattle Interior Design ExaminerKelley Stratton

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You don't have to change out your favorite lamps in order to go green, just the bulbs!
Photo: West Elm

The term ‘go green’ has become a bit overused lately. It can mean any number of things to any person or any manufacturer. In my opinion, the most basic definition would mean making a conscious effort to lead a lifestyle that reduces the amount of harm done to the environment. Chris Abbamonto, campus energy manager for University of California Irvine says the biggest challenge in going green is turning hype into habit.

“Studies have shown that it takes 28 consecutive days to create a habit,” Abbamonto says. But really, who is willing to commit to 28 days in a row of something new when they can barely remember to take their packed lunch out of the fridge to take to work? With that in mind, Chris offered some suggestions that can be done to your interiors that will only take a few minutes of your time, but will save the earth’s resources as well as a few bucks for your pocketbook in the long run. 

Table Lamp Retrofit:
Stage 1 - Consider a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) retrofit (in English this means just replace the bulbs in your standard table and floor lamps). CFL's now come in different shapes and wattages and if you really want to get detailed, even different color renderings. Check out this Sylvania CFL bulb offered at Green Dog. These lamps are commonplace now and the net simple payback is less than a year even with moderate lamp usage so yes, even if your old incandescent lamp hasn’t burnt out, you should replace it! Check out this video from the Sierra Club’s Green Home site for more information.  

Simply changing your
regular bulbs for CFL's
like this one can help you
save money AND natural
resources!

Ready to take it to the next level?

Stage 2 - Consider an occupancy sensor for a hard to reach switches or rooms where user behavior is hard to modify (like kids rooms). You’ll want to make sure the model works with flourescentsif that is what you will be switching to. Check out these options at Green Dog by clicking here and here.

Recessed Can Lighting Retrofit:
 If you’re working on a remodel or building a new home, now is a perfect opportunity to work with your contractor and electrician to make these decisions. But don’t fret, you don’t have to be doing any major electrical work to make these small changes to your existing can lights.
Stage 1 - Retrofit with this Fluorescent R30 replacement and save $7.00 annually with a first cost of $10-14. That is a 2 year payback with frequent usage.

Already replaced your bulbs?

Stage 2 - Squeeze out additional savings with an electronic dimmer retrofit. Electronic dimming is a very desirable feature that was not available previously with fluorescents but is now becoming standard with PAR, BR, and R type replacement lamps. Savings vary by dimming settings, typically 25-50% of electricity, cost $30, payback for two 100 watt fixtures could range from 2-4 years. Make sure to use a dimmable fluorescent lamp as described above for maximum savings.

Save with an electric dimmer
retrofit.
Photo: Green Dog

Stage 3 - Retrofit 6” can lights with LED lamp/trim combo kit.

So if you're thinking that it will take too much effort to 'go green', think again. These are simple tips that are already thought out for you - they're easy! Check back soon for more tips, and be sure to check out Green Dog for affordable items that will help you along the way to adding more 'green' to your life!