One of the simplest changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy bills is to something you already have in your home: light bulbs. Switching indoor bulbs to CFLs is a great start, but using solar lighting is an even better way to cut costs and create a unique decorative look that has almost no maintenance costs. When it comes to outdoor lighting, wiring lamps and lights can be an ordeal, but solar lighting doesn’t require cords or plugs, which is a huge benefit if you’re looking to get creative with it! Solar lights come in all shapes and sizes, often cost less to install than traditional lighting, and are totally self-sustaining, making them an ideal choice for tricky to reach places or those places where you need to rely on them constantly.
An Easy Switch to Solar Lighting
You can use solar lighting to replace existing light features you already have, like a driveway, patio, or outdoor garage lights and won’t need to worry about switching them on or off at night because they charge during the day and cost you nothing when they’re on! Lining your walkways with solar lights can make them safer and easier to navigate in the dark, or placing little solar lights on your mailbox, house number, curb, or fence posts mean you’ll have a much easier time parking when it’s late out without worrying about what you might hit.
Get Creative
Solar lights are also a great way to breathe life into recycling as well. Old mason jars, wine bottles, or even tin cans can be transformed into rustic-chic outdoor lighting without the price tag. Simply take a cord of solar twinkle lights and pop them through holes in the bottles or cans to create DIY light bulbs with that are totally unique. There are plenty of different ways to use solar lights for decoration, so the only limit is your imagination! Another great way you can use solar lighting is a long-lasting replacement for candles. Whether you want to childproof a jack-o-lantern or scatter them on the table at a dinner party to avoid burning guests’ sleeves, solar lights leave no ash, no messy wax, no fire hazard, and no smoke.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solar lighting solution, there are many companies that offer creative solutions, often at a fraction of the cost of a traditional contractor or electrician. Everything from highlighting a water feature at night, to creating the perfect patio space, to a project only you can imagine is possible!
