LED Lights and Carbon Footprint

By Sanjoli Gupta

One way anyone can lower their carbon footprint and electricity consumption is by using LEDs, which can help reduce both the cost and waste produced by electricity consumption. Electricity, the second largest contributor to burning fossil fuels, is still causing extreme issues with the sheer amount of fossil fuels it is burning. "Approximately 60% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels" (“Sources of Greenhouse”). 

Electricity is a big facet of all the pollution being created so addressing it would create a real change. Changing light bulbs is an easy and cost-effective exercise that does not require a change in lifestyle. LEDs use 50% less power than other lightbulbs and 80% less than older incandescent lighting, leading to a reduction of 570 million tons of emissions in 2017 (“LEDs and Climate Change”). 

Offices and large companies can use LEDs in new buildings as a cheaper, longer-lasting and environmentally conscious decision. Right-wing republicans — specifically Trump and the US government haven’t done anything about this — the former president actually stopped legislation about LEDs from going through. However, other countries that are facing the impact of climate change are taking charge. "Governments in some of the markets, such as China, India, etc., have been encouraging the use of LED lights in their respective countries" (“Global LED Bulb Market”). 

Other countries have passed this legislation because they have seen the impact of climate change and they know the economic benefit of legislation regarding LEDs. The US has a considerable impact on other countries through climate change. However, we also have the responsibility and choice to reverse the impact and better ourselves for the future!

Though switching out old light bulbs and just taking the time to check if one has LEDs may seem like a small move in comparison to the negative effects of large corporations, it does create a cumulative positive change. One small light bulb check could help get more cost-efficient lighting with a positive impact on the world. One small step is enough to reduce the carbon footprint of each person. One small change could change the lives of people all over the world.

Works Cited: 

“Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, Epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions

“LEDs and Climate Change.” EarthTronics, EarthTronics, 16 Aug. 2018, Earthtronics.com

“Global Led Bulb Market (2021 to 2026) - Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecasts - Researchandmarkets.com.” Business Wire, 7 Oct. 2021, Businesswire.com/news