Energy-efficient lighting



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 and 15 times longer than an ordinary light bulb. 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 offers a halogen range providing a 30% energy saving, or a compact fluorescent range providing 80% energy saving.
Eurolux offer dimmable energy saving bulbs – both product lines are available at Game, and with the variety of shapes and sizes there is no need to skimp on style by changing to CFLs.

If all South African households switched to CFLs the saving would be about 1350MW – ½ the electricity generated by a coal-fired power station!


Green light fittings

Sculpture meets art in a hybrid of recycled materials used in exotic light fittings which Heath Nash produces these 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 fittings


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 check for recyclers in your area.
  • Subsidised CFLs are available at Game.


Tips for reducing kitchen waste

  • Do not accept plastic bags, buy a reusable shopping bag or bag for life and place it on a hook on the back of your front door, so it is always there when you go out shopping.
  • If you do accept plastic bags, make sure you reuse them as often as possible.
  • Use re-sealable storage boxes wherever possible instead of throw-away freezer bags.
  • Reuse tin foil whenever you can.
  • Buy fruit and vegetable loose rather than encased in any packaging.
  • Recycle organic matter and cardboard in a home compost system.
  • Grow as many of your own vegetables as you can.
  • Choose products with packaging that can be recycled.
  • Only buy seasonal, locally sourced product.
  • Do not buy heavily processed food in its own cooking dish with lots of unnecessary packaging.
  • Find out what your local authority can recycle, you may be surprised by what they reprocess.
  • Be creative rather than throw items away – for instance, use glass jars as nightlight candle holders in the garden.


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?