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Ringing in a More Energy-Efficient New Year

To ring in the new year of 2012, the famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will once again be lit by energy-efficient lighting. The manufacturer Phillips is supplying 32,356 LUXEON LEDs to power the ball; these bulbs use significantly less energy than conventional bulbs, which adds up in costs and carbon footprint when you’re talking about such a mass quantity.

“We are proud that our award-winning Philips LEDs will again light the spectacular Times Square Ball,” said Ed Crawford, CEO of Lamps, Lighting Systems and Controls for Philips Lighting. “But we are equally proud that our line of Philips AmbientLED bulbs continues to expand, enabling consumers to use energy-efficient, cost-friendly, long-lasting and aesthetically-pleasing lighting throughout their homes.” (See more on this effort below.)

This isn’t the first year Phillips has supplied LEDs to light the Times Square Ball, and it reflects a trend of the past few years to a move toward greater eco-consciousness. And, let’s face it; while we all would like to be more conscientious of the planet in our homes, cost is our main consideration. What form of lighting is cheapest: to buy, to use, and to get rid of? Stay tuned for an upcoming post about the Energy Independence and Security Act, which will regulate the way we use electricity, including the phasing out of incandescent bulbs.

For today, enjoy the brightness of those you love. Happy New Year … here’s to a more energy-efficient 2012!

Post Written by Raina Russo
For Raina Brett Russo, taking care of the environment is a necessity, not an option. Having grown up in Israel, a place where conservation is required and solar hot water heating is the norm, Raina knows the importance of solar energy. Through her work with the EcoOutfitters.net team, Raina found a way to help grow the solar industry in a significant way. As the founder and host of #SolarChat, a bi-monthly "gathering" on Twitter, Raina and her team have created an engaged solar think-tank community that comes together regularly for collaboration and networking with the ultimate goal in mind of spreading the solar message.