Green Lighting Tips
Green Lighting Tips
Daylight
Daylight is by far the best option. Open blinds or to take it a step further, install skylights for some beautiful natural light.
CFLs
According to the federal government, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star approved compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), the US would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year, as well as prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.
CFLs use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. The average CFL lifespan is five years.
CFLs generate 70 percent less heat and draw less electrical current, making them safer to operate, especially in older homes with dated wiring.
One negative aspect of CFLs is that they contain a small amount of mercury, so you cannot just throw them out with the trash. Place used CFLs in a plastic bag and drop them off at Home Depot locations or go to www.Earth911.com to find recycling drop off locations for CFLs and other items. See the Austin and Round Rock hazardous material recycling centers at end of article.
LEDs
While they still cost quite a bit more than CFLs, LEDs (light emitting diodes) use even less energy and last even longer. An LED light bulb can reduce energy consumption by 80-90% and last around 100,000 hours.
Dimmers, Motion Sensors, & Timers
Motion sensors can keep lights turned off when they’re not needed, dimmers can give you just the right amount of light, and timers can be set to turn things on and off at specified times needed.
Turn off the Lights!
Turn off the lights when you leave a room: For standard incandescents, turn off even if you leave the room for just seconds. Compact fluorescents, turn off if you leave the room for 3 minutes. Standard fluorescents, turn off if you leave the room for 15 minutes.
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City of Austin HHW Collection Facility
Household Hazardous Waste
2514 Business Center Drive
AUSTIN, TX 78744
(512) 974-4343
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/hhw.htm
Please call for hours of operation. Service limited to residents of Travis County.
City of Round Rock Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Household Hazardous Waste
310 Deepwood
ROUND ROCK, TX 78681
(512) 218-5559
http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/
Hours vary, please call ahead.This service is available for City of Round Rock residents only and Round Rock water bill must be presented as proof of residency. Please note, residential Waste is defined as less than 25 gallons. Contractor/Business Waste will not be accepted.