Meet Tala, Makers of Sustainable LED Light

When design, technology, and sustainability join forces, and you get the world’s first aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient lightbulb. You also get the trifecta of principles that guide the makers of Tala in their craft.

Founded in 2015 by three friends from Edinburgh University — Josh, Max, and William — Tala makes LED lighting from high-quality, fully recyclable materials. One Tala bulb uses 90% less energy and lasts 15 times longer than incandescent equivalents. That means lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. To that end, Tala’s mission is to become the world’s resource for zero-carbon lighting.   

How? For starters, Tala sources recyclable materials like aluminum and hardwood, avoiding plastic wherever possible. To maximize impact, Tala supports reforestation efforts worldwide. The team has funded the planting of over 130,000 trees, most recently for the Mangrove restoration in Madagascar. Their next milestone: Fund 330,000 trees planted around the world.

Sustainable lighting is right at home in any room in your house, from your WFH space to your living room to the cozy corner of a reading nook. It has a high color rendering index — otherwise known as CRI — which means it closely resembles natural light. This index is measured from 0 to 100, 100 being sunlight. All Tala bulbs measure between 95 and 97, meaning the light output is high quality and the colors approximate being outdoors.

Here are 10 reasons that sustainable LED lighting is better for your body, your brain, and you.

1. Keep your body in tune.

   Many Tala bulbs feature Dim to Warm technology, which mimics the different hues and intensity of sunlight throughout the day. This allows you to change from bright 2700k to warm 2200k tones within one bulb, helping regulate your circadian rhythm. What’s that mean for you? You’ll likely stay more alert during the day and sleep more soundly at night.

2. Reduce headaches.

   Traditional fluorescent lighting tends to flicker, which can cause light sensitivity and eye strain — which can lead to headaches. All Tala bulbs have less than a 5% flicker rate, allowing the light to appear consistent to the eye and also on camera.

3. Improve productivity.

   Research has shown that LED lighting can boost cognitive function, leading to better focus and performance. Statistically, 68% of employees complain about the light situation in their offices, which suggests that good lighting could result in a happier work environment. Studies have also shown that optimum lighting can improve productivity by 20%.

4. Keep your space feeling cozy.

   Tala bulbs purposefully imitate the warmer, instant glow of the original Edison bulb with a smooth, dimmable range of 0% to 100%. This is much different from the cold, blue light that’s been associated with older LED technology.

5. Eliminate toxins.

   Traditional fluorescent lighting contains mercury, which can disrupt our nervous and digestive systems. Mercury is also difficult to dispose of safely. Tala bulbs don’t contain mercury (or any other toxic materials), and Tala avoids plastic wherever possible.

6. Reduce heat.

   Modern LED lighting produces little to no heat in comparison to previous bulbs, making them safer to handle and safer to dispose. 

7. Decrease stress.

   Studies have shown that optimum light levels throughout the day, coupled with a reduction of light levels in the evening, can help relieve anxiety and encourage feelings of calmness and relaxation.

8. Reduce energy costs.

   Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs are about 90% more efficient in light production. Tala bulbs last between 15,000 and 30,000 hours — much longer than the halogen equivalent, which lasts around 500 hours. That’s because the energy the bulb uses goes toward producing light, not heat. 

9. Direct light where you need it.

   Incandescent light shines light in all directions, which requires reflectors and diffusers to focus the beam. LED lighting offers concentrated light, making it more efficient. Tala LED filaments are carefully arranged in each type of bulb to achieve the desired light direction and output for each shape of bulb.

10. Personalize your ambience.

    All Tala lighting is fully dimmable from 0% to 100% and transitions smoothly across levels of light. Tala floor lamps, table lamps, and plug-in pendants feature on-product or inline dimmers, and all ceiling lights can be dimmed using a wall switch. This lets you customize your light and ambiance through the day, depending on natural light and desired effect.