# LED Light Bulb: Importance for the Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/led-light-bulb-importance-for-the-environment/
- Published: 2021-03-04T14:58:24-05:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

[LED light bulb](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/save-energy-and-money-with-philips-endura-led-light-bulbs/)
s are a serious issue to me. For [environmental](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/lunera-led-green-lighting-a-new-standard-for-efficiency/)
[conservation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/cvs-light-led-save-by-installing-outdoor-for-buildings/)
and sustainability have moved beyond trendiness. For they are now a way of life.
These terms are used on our favorite TV shows and in the news with regularity. For
they are becoming a common part of our vocabulary. There is an increased need for
solutions to problems brought into the light.

Our homes’ illumination accounts for[ 15% of the world’s electricity](https://www.energy.gov/articles/rise-and-shine-lighting-world-10-billion-led-bulbs#:~:text=Lighting%20accounts%20for%2015%20percent,of%20worldwide%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions)
consumption and 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners can improve these
numbers by [replacing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/lunera-led-green-lighting-a-new-standard-for-efficiency/)
their traditional light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) [versions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/verilux-readylight-lantern-for-outdoor-adventures/).
LED lights [address](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/helen-lamp-ssl-downlight-retrofit-gsas-green-proving-ground-program/)
energy conservation concerns and general pollution.

## Light LED Bulb

[Lights have a longstanding impact](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/12/light-africa-jewish-heart-for-africas-impact/)
on toxic waste and ecological degradation. To understand [how](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/02/iconic-bridge-shines-with-environmental-lighting-installation/)
LED lights affect the environment. So we must first evaluate the lights independently.

![Bulb light LED](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/
D2A33FC7-FF51-491F-AA33-67E1E088A601.jpg?resize=300%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1)

LED light bulb. Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Federico Bottos

##  What Are LED Lights?

These eco-friendly bulbs emit light in [one direction](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/12/light-africa-jewish-heart-for-africas-impact/)
compared to traditional models. All which [disperse](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/philips-led-lighting-transform-your-space-today/)
light all around. So LEDs can [conserve](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/12/light-africa-jewish-heart-for-africas-impact/)
their energy by distributing light from the [top](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/adata-launches-innovative-led-desk-lamp/)
of the bulb. This [directionality](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/04/switch-lighting-earns-energy-star-certification-for-switch60-switch75/)
makes them [ 90% more effective at producing](https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_led_bulbs)
light than conventional methods.

Three aspects of eco-friendly lights contribute to their [advanced](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/adata-launches-innovative-led-desk-lamp/)
efficiency. They last longer, create less waste and use less energy than commonly
used bulbs.

Innovators design LED bulbs to[ last for up to 11 years with continuous use](https://www.iup.edu/energymanagement/howto/led-lighting-benefits/).
The longer a bulb can function, the fewer you will need to purchase in your lifetime.
This, in turn, reduces the amount manufactured. All which limits greenhouse gas 
emissions typically released through production.

#### Material Reduction

The materials used in producing 25 LED bulbs generate one traditional bulb. This
reduction in excess material use can limit the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
These materials are also nontoxic. That’s so you can safely recycle LED bulbs.

These eco-friendly bulbs use up to [ 80% less electricity to illuminate](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/how-energy-efficient-light#:~:text=Compared%20to%20traditional%20incandescents%2C%20energy,last%203%2D25%20times%20longer.)
than other bulbs. A [decrease in energy use](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/switch-lighting-led-green-lighting-company-says-dump-old-bulbs-plus-cfl/)
significantly lowers one’s greenhouse gas emissions. Limiting these emissions can
reduce climate change and other forms of environmental degradation.

#### LED Lights’ Environmental Uses

One can utilize these [eco-friendly bulbs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/green-led-light-bulbs-a-cost-and-energy-saving-solution/)
to fuel other conservation actions. Building an [indoor garden](https://www.htgsupply.com/informationcenter/ask-the-doc/guide-to-led-grow-lights/)
using LED bulbs can protect the environment. You can transition lighting your plants
through energy-efficient bulbs. Also natural lighting as well. All to reduce your
emissions further.

Homeowners can install indoor gardens with [Linear LED lighting](https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/commercial-lighting/led-high-bay-lights/linear-led-high-bay)
to grow their own food,[ cutting back on the fossil fuels](https://environment.co/sustainable-living-solutions-for-renters/)
burned in transporting food. These gardens also protect endangered species. The 
changing climate is threatening a variety of plant species. Inviting these plants
into your home garden can help shelter them and allow them to reproduce.

You can also install LED bulbs in automobiles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
further. Standard cars produce[ 4.6 metric tons of polluting ](https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle#:~:text=typical%20passenger%20vehicle%3F-,A%20typical%20passenger%20vehicle%20emits%20about%204.6%20metric%20tons%20of,around%2011%2C500%20miles%20per%20year.)
emissions annually. Eco-friendly bulbs can help reduce that number.

#### **Recycling LED Bulbs**

Unlike conventional light bulbs, [you](https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-led-light-bulbs/)
can recycle LED lights in various ways. Recycling bulbs allows one to repurpose 
their materials for other projects. These bulbs do not contain the harmful materials
other bulbs do, so many facilities widely accept them.

Lowe’s, IKEA, and Home Depot all accept energy-efficient bulbs for [recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/cfl-recycling-at-home-depot-a-simple-and-free-program/).
There are also mail-in programs that reuse old LEDs. You can also repurpose them
for home projects. For LED bulb recycling, Home Depot provides a convenient option.

Painting old bulbs and utilizing them for [garden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/indoor-gardening-light-for-healthy-houseplants/)
décor is one way to reuse lights. You can also use the bulb’s outer glass to make
stained glass windows or other art pieces. Around the holidays, you can transform
old [light bulbs into ornaments to give](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/google-gives-the-best-present-to-all-its-employees-green-lighting/)
as gifts.

#### **Further Environmental Aid**

There are various ways one can further aid environmental conservation through the
use of LED lights. Talking to your local government officials about installing energy-
efficient bulbs in [public facilities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/12/led-street-light-cities-efficiency-and-cost-reduction/)
can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste. You can also host seminars about 
recycling and reusing eco-friendly light [bulbs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/energy-efficient-light-bulbs-saving-money-and-the-environment/).

Continuing to explore the ways [energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/how-to-zero-out-emissions-more-us-states-use-energy-efficiency/)
affects the environment can help you choose sustainable resources. Utilizing LED
bulbs [in your home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/01/esl-light-a-new-era-of-energy-efficiency/),
around your neighborhood and in local businesses can help your town significantly
reduce its negative environmental impact.

For more eco-friendly home upgrades, [read this post](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/8-small-changes-to-make-your-home-more-eco-friendly/).

**Bio:**

Jane is the Editor-in-Chief of [Environment.co](https://environment.co/) and an 
environmental writer covering green technology, sustainability and environmental
news.

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s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 Eillin Delapaz

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