Reflecting on the importance of light and how we use it
There seems to be special days for everything at the moment some fun, some sentimental and some down right silly. Whilst these come and go we felt we really must shine a light on one very important day…
Whilst on the surface lighting is often taken for granted, you flick on a light switch and hey presto, you have light! The International Day of Light serves as a reminder of the vital role that light plays in our lives and its potential to contribute to the well-being and sustainable development of humanity. Lighting has transformed our planet, but it is a resource and we should use it wisely.
Each purchase of a light fitting requires consideration, the style of light fixture, the function of the light and increasingly important, the energy consumption of the fixture. We should consider the environmental impact of lighting. Lighting to humans is far more than a little illumination, it serves us in so many ways from it’s use in science, medicine and nature to its incredible mood enhancing powers. Lighting also makes us feel safer, nothing bad can happen when the lights are on, the world is a brighter place to be.
In this article we’ll explore why lighting can be beautiful and also balance this with the negative impact of light. We do this to help our customers make sensible choices as part of our sustainability endeavours. Light and shade.
Beautiful & Responsible Lighting Choices
A good lighting design uses light in three ways, it brings general illumination, functional lighting known as task light and mood lighting which sets the ambience of a space. The term for this is layering light. We’ve produce a number of helpful blogs for those who may want to shed some more light on the subject of layering light. Too much light is not always comfortable to the eye you need a balance of light and dark. Direct and indirect light or control of the light helps achieve this. As light affects us it also affects the natural world too much light outside may negatively affect nocturnal animals and can also cause light pollution.
We are based on the edge of Exmoor National Park a dark sky reserve where light pollution is low allowing the stars to shine. Yes people do still need outside lights around their homes. Outdoor lighting in the evening is necessary, but by choosing lights that point downwards, the brightness of the light bulbs is controlled, restricting upwards light from being wasted. Explore more about dark skies and light pollution.
Another way to use light is to only have it when you need it. Perhaps using outside lights that have a PIR which is like a light switch automatically turning the exterior lights off when not needed. This also stops you from accidentally leaving the light on at night and wasting energy…money!
LED Lighting
The one thing everyone can do to support efforts in reducing energy consumption indoors and outdoors is switch to LED. This form of lighting is the most efficient there is, considerably reducing energy consumption which is great for the planet and the purse. LED bulbs now come in all shapes and sizes so there really is no excuse for using any other light source.
But LED lighting doesn’t just have to be modern. Retro style light bulbs or Edison light bulbs, as they are often know are really attractive and nostalgic but are available as an LED! The trend for these vintage-style bulbs is massive due to the way they are shown off rather than hidden away.
Sustainable Lighting
Sustainable Lighting Lighting is fashionable and brings so much to an interior, it stands to reason that you’d want your lights to be attractive within your interior, which may lead you to want new light when you re-do a room? Keep in mind you want the new lights to be sustainable, perhaps opt for a light that can be changed up with new shades to refresh the look rather than changing the fixture each time you decorate. Or by choosing lights made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or glass. For lighting that we believe is a good choice for the environment explore the options collection or our lighting range made with sustainable materials.
Going Local
We appreciate that good lighting can make a room and just wanted to show some lovely bright lighting that is made right here in the UK.
David Hunt Lighting is a British brand and as such it helps support British industry also as these ranges don’t travel across the world to reach you this helps limit the impact of transporting over seas and they are just so beautiful that they make you feel joyful.
LightingCompany.co.uk are working towards helping people make sensible choices about lighting. Explore our sustainability statement to understand and support our efforts to help the environment. Let’s leave you with a lovely quote from Sir David Attenborough
“The natural world is the greatest source of excitement. The greatest source of visual beauty. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living”
Let’s try and protect it if we can. Help us take little steps towards making the world brighter: plant a tree, switch to LED lighting, buy lighting from sustainable resources and consider the planet when lighting is used outdoors.
Find out more about our tree-planting partnership. When you buy lighting with us you can also plant a tree! Why? Trees planted help grow back forests which trap carbon, helping people along with helping the planet.