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

Outlets are seemingly innocuous parts of any home. They blend right into the walls and we hardly even know they are there. We often hide them with furniture or décor and never give them a second thought until we need to plug something in or unplug a device. It isn’t like we give them daily inspections or even monthly evaluations. Why would we? They do nothing. Or do they? Those outlets are not always as innocent as they may look. Sometimes, they are extremely dangerous and when you hide them, they can get away with a lot and you won’t know until it is too late. An electrician in Burbank wants you to be wary of those outlets and pay attention to any warn signs that indicate something may not be right. The team at The Electric Connection can give you more detailed information if you need it.

Burning wires have a very distinct, acrid smell. If you ever smell something a little off in the home and it seems like it is coming from a wall, you probably have a serious fire hazard explains a Burbank electrician. Plugging in and unplugging cords over and over puts stress on the tiny wires that give the outlet electricity. They can become loose. They touch each other or the insulation and slowly burn. This is how home fires are started. Other obvious signs of trouble are; *The outlet feels hot or the wall around the outlet feels hot

Don’t ignore your outlets says an electrician. Burbank homeowners need to call The Electric Connection right away if they suspect there is any trouble.