Page 78 - Fall2013

Some sources flames are a sign of cleaner burning and more evenings, chatting with family or friends, it is not

of fuel complete combustion, but also give a less usable conducive to reading or other sorts of work. To
and enjoyable light.
achieve sufficient light for even basic tasks often
and scent Some sources of fuel and scent contain or requires a large number of light sources, thereby
contain or create toxic byproducts when burned. Beeswax increasing the problems outlined above. Lanterns
create toxic and soy candles are the cleanest, producing little of similar lighting options outshine candles in
to none of these byproducts if burned properly, this regard. If you are planning to use such things
byproducts so choose unscented candles or at least those for creating an environment enjoyable to read and
when burned. scented with only pure natural sources of fra- work in, it pays to invest some time in finding
grance, such as essential oils, and without too the best models and designs currently available.
strong a scent. This is not to say that people should not have
Avoid paraffin candles. Also, watch the or use older lighting methods, just that we need
wicks. Many candles, especially those produced to recognize their limitations and the blessings
in China, have wicks that contain lead and other and dangers that both traditional and modern
contaminants, putting off small amounts into the lighting create.
air and home environment every time they are
burned. UPGRADE TECHNOLOGICALLY: LEDs
As I discussed in a previous article, compact
RISK OF FIRE fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a dangerous
Almost any traditional method of heat and choice for electrical lighting. So to what can
light brings with it the risk of fire. Exercise pru- people turn?
dence and caution when using any combustion- LEDs (light emitting diodes) are the next op-
based light and heat sources, indoors or out. tion, offering superior light quality, longevity and
Keep flammable objects and materials at a safe durability. While some researchers have raised
distance; don't leave candles and other fire-based concerns about the lead and other materials used
lights or cooking tools unattended, and place in LEDs, these concerns appear exaggerated.
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them on stable and safe surfaces. The amount of lead and other heavy metals used
in LEDs is quite tiny and the metals are encased
BE IN THE LIGHT in extremely difficult-to-break hard plastic shells,
One other concern about combustion based not in delicate and fragile glass bulbs. If you
light sources is the nature and quality of the manage to break an LED, you should still employ
light. While it is enjoyable to sit and watch a safe cleanup procedures, being especially careful
fire in my wood stove in the soft late autumn of red and other similarly colored bulbs, which

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF INCANDESCENT LIGHTING

For those who frown upon incandescent light bulbs because of their greater energy usage, a few facts should be
considered before you switch over to other options.

1. In the winter, the extra energy that incandescent bulbs use is turned directly into heat and the heat is generally located
just where it is needed; that is, where people congregate. Thus, in cooler seasons and climates they actually serve as a
very effective method of zone heating/space heating. According to a study by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy,
“The heat of incandescent lights—more than 341 Btu per bulb per hour—can help to warm a room. Therefore, if
the cost of electricity is low relative to the cost of home heating fuel, there may be an economic case for changing to
incandescent bulbs in colder seasons.” 2

2. In the summer, lights are used far less because of the longer days and brighter natural light, thus mitigating and mini-
mizing the need for and heat creation of interior lighting, especially among people who heed nature’s wisdom and
go to sleep when it is dark!

Unsurprisingly, pro-CFL studies and literature overlook this more complex and less favorable picture of energy use,
light quality, pollution creation, lifespan, disposal, and efficiency versus incandescent bulbs.

76 Wise Traditions FALL 2013 FALL 2013 Wise Traditions

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