What we do for sustainability
Sustainability is very important to us. Not only personally but also as a company, we feel responsible for contributing to a durable society.
One of the main reasons for us to sell LED lighting is the fact that LED is durable, in addition to our 100% commitment to the quality and low prices of our products.
In addition to our LED products contributing to the sustainability of our society at both a business and individual level, we do everything we can to operate as sustainably as possible in our business practices. We would like to explain what we are currently doing and what we aim to achieve in the future.
What we are doing now
Using as little plastic as possible
We do not use plastic packaging materials for the orders we pack. Many companies use air-filled plastic packaging materials. Sometimes with the note that this is recycled plastic. Now, we are not against the fact that plastic is recycled as long as there is a durable purpose for it. Packaging materials are generally used once and then immediately discarded by the consumer; in this way, you can endlessly recycle the plastic, but the throwaway culture remains intact.
Reusing boxes and packaging materials
Whenever there is an opportunity to reuse used boxes or packaging materials for a new order, we do so. This includes returns we receive as well as boxes and packaging materials we receive when we have ordered something ourselves. Of course, it is checked that this is done in a responsible and hygienic manner.
Being frugal with packaging tape
Packages must be well packed and sealed before they are shipped. This is to ensure that orders arrive intact and complete to our customers. We also have to consider the handling of our packages and accidents caused by third parties. But we ensure that our employees use tape as sparingly as possible and do not use extra if it is not necessary.
No printed invoices
We do not print invoices to include in the packages. Everyone who orders on our website receives a digital invoice. This invoice is also always stored in our system in case someone accidentally deletes it and needs it again. We advise customers against printing it themselves unless absolutely necessary.
Purchasing with minimal CO2 emissions
To minimize the CO2 emissions of our products, we do not deliver our products by plane or boat. All our deliveries are made by train. This is not always the cheapest option, but it is a conscious choice. This mode of transport has the smallest CO2 emissions.
What we are working on
- Setting up our own collection point for recycling old lighting (or other electrical appliances)
- Engaging with manufacturers about durable packaging
- Talking to local businesses about reusing boxes
- Producing our own packaging materials using recycled cardboard
Sustainability with LED lighting
The traditional incandescent bulb was invented over 100 years ago. This is now a rather outdated product. Fortunately, incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps are no longer being produced. The existing stock can still be sold, but the rising popularity of LED lighting will eventually completely replace these types of lamps, and for good reason. The demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly light sources is growing rapidly, not only from the government but also from an increasingly aware society regarding sustainability and environmental friendliness. But what makes LED lighting so much more durable? Here are all the aspects summarized:
Longer lifespan
The LED lamp is considered a true revolution in the world of lighting. 'LED' stands for 'Light Emitting Diode', which is a light-emitting diode, a high-quality, energy-efficient technology without toxic substances that produces as much light as traditional lamps.
The most revolutionary aspect of LED lighting is that the LED lamp can last up to 55,000 hours. For the same number of hours, you would need to purchase a new incandescent bulb 50 times. Therefore, the LED lamp lasts many times longer: its lifespan ranges from 15 to 25 years. When you think about it, this means that in an entire lifetime, you only need to buy a new lamp about 4 times. How easy is that? Oh, and this also means that you produce much less incandescent bulb waste.
Energy-efficient
Additionally, the LED lamp is up to 90% more efficient than the incandescent bulb. Much less energy is needed to keep the light on, which means you save a lot of energy. It has been calculated that the LED lamp uses 55 watts less per hour than the incandescent bulb, resulting in a difference of up to 25 kWh per year (about 5 euros). If that still seems little, consider how many lamps are in one house.
If all incandescent bulbs in a house are replaced with LED lamps, the house will significantly reduce its environmental impact. This means that lighting your home is good for the environment, as less energy consumption means less energy needs to be generated, but also good for your wallet.
Cost-saving
That's right. An LED lamp is indeed much more expensive than an incandescent bulb, which can be bought for a euro. But the LED lamp lasts so much longer and uses significantly less energy that, in the long run, the LED lamp is much cheaper than the incandescent bulb.
If you save 5 euros per year on energy per lamp, and you have 20 lamps in your house, that's already a saving of 100 euros per year.
durable and non-harmful materials
Our LED lighting is manufactured using durable and non-harmful materials. Think of aluminum and high-quality plastics that are easy to recycle once the lamp no longer works after an average of 40,000 hours. Because the lamps are well recyclable, plastics and other components will not end up in the environment as long as they are actually recycled. This can be done both with us and at many other bulky waste points in the Netherlands.
Sustainability starts with yourself
Sustainability sounds like something that lies with the big powers. Large companies, municipalities, and governments. These parties certainly have an influence on the sustainability of society, but ultimately the responsibility for sustainability lies with yourself. If everyone contributes in their own way to living more consciously and sustainably, the steps towards a durable society will be much larger and faster. We have compiled a list of tips that you can follow to contribute to this important movement.
Replace your lighting with LED lighting
Of course, our first tip is to replace your lighting with LED lighting. All the discussed benefits should have removed any doubts you may have had. LED is the future for the environment, society, and your own wallet.
Recycling old lighting and other electrical appliances
If you have taken the step to replace your lighting with LED lighting, you are of course left with your old lighting. What do you do with it? Traditional lighting, especially halogen lighting, is full of harmful substances and materials. Therefore, they should not just be thrown in the trash. The same applies to other old or broken electrical appliances. Never throw these away casually. You can dispose of them at a recycling center near you or at another recycling point. Check here to find where you can locate them.
Buying behavior
As a society, we are increasingly buying more and more online. Everyone who orders online knows the convenience of having a product ordered and often delivered to their doorstep the next day. Unfortunately, few people think about the consequences of this purchasing behavior. The cardboard boxes and plastic or cardboard fillers that serve their purpose once and are then immediately thrown away. It's logical, you can't do anything with them anymore. After all, it doesn't cost you anything, right? Wrong, boxes and fillers cost companies a lot of money because they are used in large quantities, and these costs are ultimately reflected in the prices of the products. Have you ever thought about the CO2 emissions from the transporters? Everyone wants their order as quickly as possible. Preferably the same day. Companies want to attract and retain customers by offering this service. The result is thousands of products in boxes that are transported back and forth all day long. If you order 3 different items in a day or over a week, you get 3 transporters coming your way as quickly as possible. If you find the product not to your liking or need the money for something else, it gets returned.
To somewhat mitigate this entire process, you can analyze and possibly adjust your own purchasing behavior. Educate yourself well about a product and contact the company if you have doubts, this way you can avoid unnecessary returns. If you are going to order multiple products, try to limit the number of different suppliers to reduce transportation needs. Buy from companies that are making efforts to become more durable. Let your products sit in your shopping cart a little longer to ensure that the purchase is truly necessary. Often, you forget that you wanted to order something if it wasn't really needed.
