Will we ever run out of electricity?

The big question. Will we ever run out of electricity?

This has yet to be determined. Electricity can be produced for as long as we need it, but the problem is with how it is made. Making electricity does destroy the planet so it’s not much use having it if there’s no planet to enjoy it. Running out of electricity depends on how much we produce and how much we use.

We can all focus on how much we use and this is what we’re told to try and change. The trouble is that technology is always growing and so we’re always using more electricity.  There are different ways of producing electricity; using either natural gas, coal or oil. But we will eventually run out of these one day and burning such vast amounts is what’s said to be damaging the planet.

So…what about solar power and wind power. They are much safer for the environment and could in theory last forever. But it all depends on the weather! Something which is difficult to rely upon, especially in the UK!

It’s difficult to say what method is best, but what is known is that we must be aware of how much electricity we’re all using so that we can at least buy the planet some more time if using gas, coal, oil or nuclear fuels. And perhaps one day in the future we’ll be able to sustain ourselves off more natural energy-producing methods.

For now, one last thought, don’t forget to turn off your computer once you’ve finished reading this!

LED LIGHTING ILLUSTRA

LED Lighting Academy launched

Eco & Eco LLC, a US-based organization, has recently announced its launching of a LED Lighting Academy. Designed to provide training and education for novices and professionals in the LED industry, the academy grants Certified LED Professional (CLEDP) designation for those who finish their sessions.

The entire curriculum takes three days and will involve the following:

•Day 1 covers Introductions, Commitment, Ecology, History of Lights, Measures of Lighting, and LED Technology

•Day 2 covers Comparative Lighting, Finance, Lighting Audit, Government and Utility Company Rebates, Retrofitting to LED

•Day 3 covers Competitive Products and Hands-on Training

The academy provides both theoretical and practical knowledge through experienced and highly qualified instructors and guest lecturers. Current trends and issues in the industry will also be discussed such as true efficacy rates, energy savings, and actual light output delivered. On the financial side, students will learn how to do lighting audits and produce all the data needed for an accurate financial analysis, including federal tax credits and utility company incentives.

With regards to products, the classes will cover a wide range of available products in the market today. But while the Academy can be tailored to specific client needs, it is not tied to any specific manufacturer.

The certification process offers a Certified LED Professional designation that serves to recognize the individual’s authority and expertise in all things related to LED lighting. This would make it easier for them to get jobs as well as more advantageous for companies when selling their products. The certification, however, is optional and may be discussed before the sessions start for those interested to acquire one.

Eco & Eco LLC is an organization that offers sustainable technologies solutions to companies or individuals who wish to develop sustainable practices for cost and energy efficiency. They work by the principle that sustainability occurs only when both ecological and economic paths cross. Services they offer are Energy Use Reduction, Energy Production, Water Conservation, and Recycling.

The first session of the LED Lighting Academy will be held April 30-May 2 in Los Angeles. For more information about the LED Lighting Academy, visit

http://ledlightingacademy.com/

 

About the Author:

Cassandra Allen Marketing Director of http://www.IllustraLighting.com

Cassandra is a marketing professional with over 15 years of extensive experience leading corporate marketing and internal communications for multi-national companies in diverse industries.

SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – What can help!

SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as ‘Winter Depression’ is something that affects many people, of all ages.  It is something that shouldn’t be disregarded as just the ‘winter blues’.  The general symptoms can include*;

– Feeling less active than normal

– Sleeping more

– Low Mood

– Lack of interest

But there are things that can help.  Seeing as SAD is said to be linked to lack of sunlight many people find that Light Therapy helps, ie sitting in-front of a lightbox.  These sorts of products can be found online but can be quite costly.  Another thing to try is changing your light bulbs to ones that are called ‘Daylight’.  This means they give out a light which is equivalent to daylight, allowing the mind and body to feel as though they are getting sunlight, so in turn can elevate your mood.  These light bulbs are perfectly safe and can be used even if you don’t suffer from SAD. 

We have a range of these bulbs on our website www.batteriesandbulbs.co.uk which we stock all year round at competitive prices.

*Source for SAD information used – http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Seasonal-affective-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx If you think you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder please consult your doctor.

Ice and Snow Sculptures

Ice and Snow Sculptures

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ice-and-snow-sculptures-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Fice-and-snow-sculptures-slideshow%252Fhorse-carriages-carrying-tourists-travel-past-ice-sculptures-photo-072822300.html

Read this today and there are some great photos.  An amazing sight to go and see in China if you can.  Plus, the majority of the sculptures use LED lighting!

LED & Halogen Cost Comparison!

Everyone goes on about how LED light bulbs and energy saving light bulbs are better – better for the environment and our electricity bills!  But sometimes we need to see things to believe them.  That’s why we’ve decided to post a cost comparison between LED and standard Halogen bulbs.

Let’s use a 6W GU10 LED bulb as an example and a 50W GU10 Standard Halogen bulb.

To buy and run these lamps for 5 hours per day on a standard domestic tariff of 12.5p per kilowatt Hour (KWH) gives the results in the picture.

These results show that LED’s give a saving of £85 over the life of the LED.  The initial outlay for the LED is recouped in just over 2 years!  Giving 10 years of saving!

LED and Halogen Cost Comparison

What can I use my rechargeable batteries in?

What can I use my rechargeable batteries in?  This seems to be a common question that we get asked.  The answer is simple – anything!  Yes, that’s right, you can literally use your rechargeable batteries in any device where you would normally use single (non-rechargeable batteries).  So if you have a torch, games console, toys, cameras, etc, then go ahead, use the rechargeables, that’s what they’re made for 🙂

Oh and one last thing…if you have an appliance/item that is old, you can still use rechargeables in it, no problem!