Page 79 - Fall2013

generally contain the most lead, arsenic and other giveaways, but perhaps with customer input and The main
heavy metals. pressure this will change.
The life of an LED is extremely long, greatly drawback
reducing the environmental impact (and unlike LET THE SUN SHINE IN! to LEDs
CFLs, their rated life and real life are genuinely I hope that this article will persuade readers currently is
very similar). to make creative efforts to maximize natural light
Proper disposal of any bulb or electronic in their homes and daily routines, while reduc- cost.
device is a must, not just LEDs! The computer ing dependence upon electrical light. If you are
the scientist uses to research his critique of LEDs remodeling, make your plans with natural light
often contains significantly more chemicals in mind. Indeed, make bringing natural light into
and heavy metals than the LED lights that will your home a high priority via large, well-oriented
in most cases rarely come into direct contact windows, skylights, open floor plans, and proper
with one’s body. Remember that computers, colors can all significantly reduce your needs for
cell phones, iPods, iPads, and a hundred other electrical or combustion-based lighting.
gadgets contain significant amounts of the same
compounds. John Moody lives on a small farm in Kentucky,
This is not to say that LEDs cannot be where he tries to keep track of a flock of chickens,
made safer or be improved upon, just like a wide a large garden, four wonderful kids, a beautiful
range of other electronics, and thankfully such wife, and the needs of the members and farmers
improvements are already starting to appear. But of the Whole Life Buying Club which he serves
compared to CFLs or any other lighting options in the role of administrator. John is the author
currently on the market, they are significantly of The Food Club and Co-op Handbook.
superior in terms of light quality, longevity,
safety and environmental impact, especially in
hot climates. SoURCES
The main drawback to LEDs currently is 1. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.
cost. They are three to five times more expen- cfm?id=led-lightbulb-concerns While there are
many articles on LEDs and their heavy metal
sive than CFLs, though they continue to drop in content, every single article I have reviewed goes
price rapidly as consumers realize the dangers, back to a single study done in Irvine, California.
dismal performance and deceit surrounding 2. http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=8868
CFLs. Shopping sales (such as Newegg, where I
purchased the ones I tested heavily before writing
this article) can result in significant savings.
Sadly, while many power companies give
away free CFLs, I have yet to see any LED

DESIGN IDEAS TO INCLUDE MORE NATURAL LIGHT

1. Fewer walls: the more open a house, the more light naturally enters into the living spaces.
2. Skylights.
3. Light colored paint: paint choice can go a long way towards naturally brightening and enhancing natural light once it
enters a living space. A single window in a dark-colored room creates a cave, but in a bright room creates an outdoorsy
feel.
4. Don’t obstruct your windows.
5. Make sure your curtains can be drawn back fully to allow maximal light to enter rooms.

Be sure to avoid CFLs. There is still time to stock up on the old-style incandescent bulbs, or choose LEDs over CFLs.
Finally, expose yourself to natural light as much as possible. Cook beyond your kitchen. Garden. Take your lunch break
outside when weather permits. Always seek to be in the light; your body and soul will thank you for it!
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