Spot Lighting Sustainability

EverLights' Leadership in Lighting Recycling and Innovation.

By Colleen Kingsbury

In the dynamic world of lighting design and technology, sustainability is not just an ideal: it’s a cornerstone of responsible business.

EverLights stands at the forefront of this movement, championing environmental stewardship through innovative lamp recycling initiatives.

EverLights was founded 1995 as the first lamp recycler in Chicago. Founder Patricia Gallagher saw the need for a sustainable solution to the growing lamp waste problem that emerged alongside a mass shift to replace old fixtures with more efficient lighting options – and a mandate to recycle the old ones appropriately. EverLights was instrumental in educating the public and pushing legislators on the necessity of recycling spent bulbs. Since then, EverLights has made a major national impact on the efficient recycling of lamps, ballasts, electronics, and batteries.

In 2006, Kelly Gallagher purchased EverLights from Patricia Gallagher, with sights set on additional growth. In 2013, the business expanded to include the sale of new lighting, providing expert guidance and solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of their products. And they have continued to build their reputation for excellence in servicing the lighting and electrical supply needs of construction projects and facility maintenance and upgrades.

Today, their services include photometrics, budget tracking, submittals, layouts and project management. From product design to end-of-life disposal, sustainability is ingrained into all operations.

Recognizing contractor’s need to have a lighting distributor capable of handling supply and disposal of product, EverLights developed recycling of old lamps across the continental U.S. These programs provide customers with convenient and eco-friendly options for disposing of their outdated or non-functioning fixtures, minimizing the ecological footprint of their lighting projects. The aim of their recycling programs is to make recycling as simple as possible for customers. Lamps are collected and packaged onsite at the source; EverLights then finds the most environmentally responsible method to get the materials to their end destination.

Along the way, they have established strategic partnerships with reputable recycling facilities nationwide. Their constant communication with these partners guarantees that materials recovered from recycled lamps are reintegrated into the production cycle, contributing to resource conservation and the circular economy. In addition, they provide a Certificate of Recycling for every order recycled.

EverLights actively participates in industry associations and regulatory initiatives to shape policies and standards that promote sustainable practices, including lamp recycling. By leveraging the latest advancements in LED technology and recyclable materials, they elevate each project to achieve superior performance and minimize environmental impact.

They also empower clients to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals. Through educational resources, guidance on responsible disposal practices, and widespread accessibility to their recycling programs, EverLights ensures that their clients are equipped to make environmentally responsible choices throughout the duration of their lighting projects.

Through their commitment to lamp recycling, partnerships with recycling facilities, and dedication to innovation, EverLights has built a track record of leadership in sustainability and continues to illuminate the path towards a greener future, for generations to come.

CERTIFICATIONS, ON THE LOCAL LEVEL, INCLUDE:

WBE: Women Business Enterprise

DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

WOSB: Women Owned Small Business

SWAM: Small Women and Minority Owned Business

LDBE: Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

SBE: Small Business Enterprise