See the light and join the green revolution!

Saturday, 24 October heralded an international day of climate action with calls for us all to join www.350.org, a campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis.

This campaign takes its name from what is largely considered the upper 'safe' limit of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere - 350 parts per million. Currently, the atmospheric CO2 concentration is nearing 390 parts per million, which is somewhat alarming - but if we all take action to reduce our CO2 emissions, then collectively we can make an impact. Of course, the recent announcement by Eskom that it intends to increase the price of electricity by 45% per year over the next 3 years is an added incentive...

So on that note, did you know that lighting alone accounts for about 19% of the electricity we use in the average home? A simple switch to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can halve, or even quarter, your lighting costs, and these energy saving bulbs last between 10 to 15 times longer than an ordinary lightbulb. Having overcome most of the deficiencies in lighting quality and performance for which their bulbs were initially shunned, CFL manufacturers now offer a range of CFLs from replacements for standard 40w or 60w bulbs, and down-lighting options that are compatible with dimmer switches. Osram (www.osram.co.za) offers a halogen range providing a 30% energy saving, or a compact fluorescent range providing 80% energy saving, in addition, Eurolux (www.eurolux.co.za) offer dimmable energy saving bulbs. Both product lines are available at Game - and with the variety of shapes and sizes. There's no need to skimp on style by changing to CFLs.

Green light fittings
Sculpture meets art in a hybrid of recycled materials used in exotic light fittings which Heath Nash (www.heathnash.com) produces from his Woodstock factory in Cape Town. They're not an imperative if you're going green, but they do look very stylish. Keep your eyes peeled for light fittings and lamps made from natural or recycled materials such as metal, glass, plastic and natural materials like wood, cloth, or even reclaimed materials like bottle tops.

Heath Nash Light Fitting
Heath Nash Light Fitting

Energy-efficient lighting tips:

  • The best source of light is the sun - switch off the lights and open the curtains!
  • Research shows that kitchens, living rooms and outdoor lighting are the three biggest energy guzzlers - so it makes sense to swap out these bulbs first.
  • Use timers, daylight sensors and motion sensors to switch outdoor security lighting on and off.
  • You can recycle your CFL bulbs at one of the drop-off boxes at some major retail outlets of Woolworths and Pick n Pay, or see www.e-waste.org.za/recyclers for a list of recyclers in your area
  • Subsidised CFLs are available at Game.


Key Eco Questions To Ask Of Every Material And Product

Where has it come from?

  • Is it from a naturally renewable source?
  • Was it made in a non-polluting, energy efficient manner?
  • Were the rights of the workers respected with good conditions, reasonable hours and fair pay?
  • Will it travel vast distances to reach me? Can I choose a locally made product instead?

How will I use it?

  • Will it be energy efficient, saving me money and saving the environment carbon emissions?
  • Is it built to last, or will it fall apart as soon as the guarantee ends?
  • Is it easy to maintain and fix? Am I able to get spare parts easily?

Where will it go once I am done with it?

  • Can I pass it on to someone else to use after I have finished with it?
  • Can I recycle it easily?
  • Will it biodegrade?