Small steps toward a greener business
Sometimes I think that one of the greatest barriers to the adoption of new technologies is the intimidating list of acronyms and initials that accompany high-tech products. For example, purchasing a new TV is excruciating for folks that dont know what LCD means (its liquid crystal display). All you really need to know about LCD is its a type of TV screen.
This brings me to another acronym: LED. LED stand for light-emitting diode and is one of the technologies that is blazing the way toward lower energy costs. LEDs have actually been around a long time and have been used for things like the little light on your battery charger or the ON/OFF switch on your TV, VCR, and DVD etc. LEDs have a number of advantages over conventional lighting: they use less energy; generate little or no heat; and last much, much longer than other lights. They dont fade as much as conventional lights in direct sunlight (think traffic lights) and lend themselves well to alpha-numeric uses (such as a digital clock).
LEDs have to date been used mostly in industrial applications. LED bulbs are tiny so it takes a lot of them to build a light for a flashlight, for example. This kind of application used to be expensive. But high demand for LEDs and better manufacturing techniques have enabled LED makers to reduce costs and bring price points in line with the consumer market. LED products are now available in places such as the Home Depot.
So next time your business has to replace overhead, outdoor or other kinds of lighting, consider using LEDs. These will save you costs over the long run and are an easy way toward a greener business.