The best part about being the “Lightbulb Lady” is the stories my customers share when returning to Sunlan Lighting to obtain more full spectrum light bulbs. They teach me the value of light and new ways to use them. Here are a few from people who use full spectrum lighting. Dogs and Cats One of my customers selected several neodymium bulbs off the shelf. “My dog is in the dumps,” he said. “Whenever the full spectrum lights burn out, my dog gets blue and just mopes around. I knew the bubs... more

My column this issue will focus on two technology trends I see as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. Number one on the list is battery power. This trend has gained tremendous traction in the past 10 years in the world of cordless tools, cell phones and laptop computers, with the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells leading the way. This technology continues to move forward as we speak, and suddenly the prospect of mass produced non-hybrid, electrically powered “plug-in”... more

Changing the lighting in your home generally requires some re-wiring, and for that you should consider hiring a licensed electrician. However, there are some simple solutions that allow you to make some changes using existing fixtures and outlets. In an average-sized room, you need three points of light, explains Jennifer Roos, owner of Jennifer Roos Interior Designs. “A good way to approach lighting is to layer it with task, ambient, and overhead lighting. You want to avoid concentrating light... more

Boy, it sure is dark outside. Doesn’t it just seem like the short days, the leaf drop and the rain all started at exactly the same moment? Weird. I guess there is just one thing to do and that is to get ready for the holidays, which makes it just the right time to light things up. I love holiday lights. However, I am completely lame every year and never seem to get around to lighting my own house. I guess it is that whole working thing; I come home and slip into a coma. I just plain love lighting,... more

It’s no secret that the best place to go for lighting needs in Portland is Sunlan Lighting, Inc., a small, non-descript store on N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, OR. While the windows of the shop display a jumble of lights, and a retro-looking sign bearing an image of a large, single bulb juts out of the top of the gray-shingled building, the exterior gives little indication of the treasures to be found inside. “We’ve been in this location for 17 years,” says owner Kay Newell. “And if there’s... more

The simplest thing everyone can do to make a difference in global warming is to replace incandescent lightbulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs. These lightbulbs produce more light than heat with the electricity they use. As a result, they can provide the same amount of light as standard incandescent lightbulbs but use only one-quarter to one-third as much energy, and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs have come a long... more

You may find that the short days of winter, when it seems like you go to and come from work in the dark, are the perfect time to consider warming up your house with new lighting. If you are thinking about making a lighting change, consider your current fixtures and determine your game plan. Do you need to increase the amount of light? Warm up or tone down the light, or just update to more attractive light fixtures and shades? An overall lighting goal is a good idea even if you are only preparing... more

Several companies manufacture rubber roofs from recycled tires. These products are durable (many come with 50-year warranties), as well as fire and wind resistant. Metal Roofing With a long life, metal roofs keep composite material out of our landfills. Also 100% of the material used is recyclable. Solar-Powered Attic Fan Make your home more energy effcient and save money too. Attic fans operate by solar power from sunrise to sunset at no extra cost. It’s possible to reduce the workload on... more