The environmental and economic consequences of our lighting choices are enormous. Lighting directly consumes 22 percent of electricity in the United States. California's electric bill for lighting costs consumers and businesses more than $6.3 billion annually. The average California household spends $816 annually to power lights in their home.

Lighting devices, whether it be in your office or at home also have environmental impacts as most contain toxic or hazardous materials, such as lead in incandescents and mercury in compact fluorescents and in CA, such devices are banned from disposal in landfills.

Learn more about what is going on to help the state, the country and even around the world to reduce lighting use and what you can do about it!

Lighting Background and the Problem of Pollution

• Background on California energy
• Why new lighting technologies can help reduce pollution

What is happening now?

• In 2007, CAW sponsored AB 1109 (Huffman), which will substantially increase energy efficiency while reduce pollution from lighting sources and create convenient recycling opportunities as well. The bill was signed by the Governor in October 2007.
• The U.S. Congress is currently working on new nationwide energy efficiency standards, of which could include phasing out the use of incandescent bulbs in ten years.
• Currently, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Ireland have expressed interests in banning the purchasing and sale of incandescent light bulbs.

Remember to Recycle Your Unwanted Lights!

• Find a place near you to properly dispose of and recycle unwanted fluorescent lamps. Also check your local Household Hazardous Waste program and if you live near an IKEA, the store also takes back your fluorescents free of charge!