This is the final feature in our Materials Matters blog post series. Be sure to check out the previous entries: Green Materials, Plumbing, Heating, and Appliances.

The humble light bulb has come a long way since its invention. Modern bulbs are designed to consume considerably less energy while producing the same amount of light and lasting substantially longer. Recent improvements in light quality and the ability to dim have made non-incandescent bulbs a viable option in virtually any setting. Energy efficient alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs include compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs. They might come with a slightly higher price tag in the immediate future, but they can last for years and will help you save significantly on utility costs.

Check out the links below for more about the latest improvements on Thomas Edison's mighty invention:

Department of Energy: Lighting Choices to Save you Money

Consumer Reports: Choosing the Best Energy-Saving Lightbulbs

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