Green Lighting in a Kitchen

By now, we all know we should “go green” in our homes, but how to actually incorporate this environmental stance into our everyday lives is another matter altogether. Combining your Eco-friendly values with great design is the key in today’s home, and installing green kitchen lighting is a simple first step in that direction. Not only can you help the environment, but it is a chance to enhance the decorative elements of your home.

The best way to increase lighting in your kitchen without adding anything to your electricity bill is a strategy known as “day lighting,” which is simply installing more windows and skylights to take advantage of natural sunlight. Sunlight is still being produced free of charge, so why not use it?

Of course, if you aren’t up to knocking holes in your walls, or think that you might need light other than during the day, you might consider installing energy-efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL’s give the same amount of visible light, but use less power and have a longer rated life.

If you really want to ramp things up, the next generation of green lighting that you might want to consider is LED (light-emitting diodes) bulbs. LED’s are small solid lights that produces as much light as an incandescent light. Initially, the cost is higher, but it will save you energy and the hassle of buying replacement bulbs because these bulbs last for ten years or more! LED lights come with a warranty, are mercury free and are the most energy-efficient lighting option available for the home. They are best used in fixtures where lights don’t get changed often as well as in small areas like under cabinets and inside of lamps. Interior design manufacturers are still coming up with all kinds of different ways to incorporate them into the home, so keep your eye out for fresh options.

Being green with lighting doesn’t stop with the bulbs that you choose. If you are redoing your wiring for the lighting in your kitchen, another way you can “go green” is to make sure that you use multiple switches for your lights. This allows you to only illuminate the area of the kitchen where you need the light, rather than the entire room. Installing dimmers is also an easy idea to increase the lifespan of your light bulbs in your kitchen. Don’t forget, the lamps and fixtures in your kitchen can also be eco-conscious by using recycled and natural materials to make them.

The bottom line is your kitchen is the most energy-intensive room in your home. Whether you are doing a complete remodel or are just replacing some light bulbs, using a green lighting plan will maximize your energy savings and lessen your carbon footprint on the earth.

Tracy Tesmer is founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA bathroom remodeling company specializing in kitchen and home renovations in North, Ga. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN discussing home renovation in North, GA.

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