It’s tuesday April 22nd and Earth Day* celebrations are abounding. Eco-friendly lamps, light fixtures and fabulous accessories are here to help you decorate with an eye on preservation and divine design.

The “Smart Home” of the future is truly within reach.  From aroma-therapy air purification systems and vitamin-C infused showers to LED light sources and recycled decorative illumination, energy-saving and eco-friendly options are in full bloom this year.

1.  Look for ENERGY STAR and Energy SMART products.  Revamp your indoor and outdoor light fixtures with new light sources and smarter control systems.

2.  Invest in sustainable lamps and light fixtures.

3.  Buy less, but buy better.  From Organic Minimalism to Restoration Industrialism, the latest designer lamps and light fixtures may be less ornate, but full on fashion with energy-efficient illumination.

Visit 1800lighting.com or a Capitol Lighting showroom for a glimpse into the latest eco-friendly lighting and decorative accessories, including  new lamps and light fixtures from Hubbardton Forge, Varaluz Lighting, Kichler Lighting and Currey and Company.

Now is the time to do your part to make Earth Day 2014 more than just a fantastic idea, make it a reality and light consciously and proficiently with style.

*The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was born on December 2, 1970 and the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.  President Nixon’s 1970 State of the Union Address was flooded with concern for clean air, clean water and a concerted effort for the federal government to “transform” the land.

We celebrate Earth Day every year on April 22nd as the government continues to consolidate efforts for a cleaner environment, but it is really up to each individual to transform their own home with energy-efficient and eco-friendly products.

Top pics for Earth Day include:

The “Elkmont” collection from Currey and Company

The “Modern Loft” table lamp from Pacific Coast Lighting

The “Argyle” pendant from Varaluz Lighting

“Natural Rope” chandelier from Landmark Lighting

Generators can serve as literal lifesavers in the event of an emergency—providing power, light, and heat whenever a disaster strikes. But to be able to do its job, it has to be ready to go right when the situation demands it. This means making sure it’s well maintained, and repaired quickly when service is needed. Of course, this also means that you need to know when your generator needs repair service. Keep reason for 3 reasons that this may be the case.

When our electrical professionals inspect your generator, they’ll take a close look at your wiring, buttons, and any other electrical components. If any of these show a sign of damage, then the unit likely needs to be repaired.

Indications can include frayed wires, loose connectors, buttons that stay stuck when you press them, or electrical overloads that shut the generator down at improper times. Additionally, the voltage on the generator battery needs to be tested to make sure it’s not in disrepair.

The longer your generator lasts, the more likely it is to develop a leak from a hose, a line, or storage pan. Leaks can include oil or fuel—depending on the type of generator you own—in addition to coolant designed to keep the engine block from overheating. Check around the appliance for puddles and be sure to give us a call if you notice any.

If you’re lucky, you won’t have to use your generator for years (but it’s great to have that peace of mind when you do need it!) Unfortunately, however, when generators sit for a long time without being used, the battery can be drained, and other parts of the engine can start to fall into disrepair. This can be avoided by investing in yearly generator maintenance.

Electricity is like a kitchen knife. If you use it wisely, it can cut food and prepare delicacies. If you use it unwisely, it can end up cutting your finger. Electricity flows through anything that is a “conductor.” Interestingly, humans are very good conductors of electricity!

Since electricity is a form of energy, a strong current has the ability to seriously harm you. If the current is strong enough, you can be fatally injured. Due to the strong possibility of a fatal injury occurring, electric cables are insulated. Another important reason why they are insulated is to prevent energy from dissipating into the surroundings, allowing it to be conserved.