Light can unite, inspire, and ignite emotion throughout a community. 

When I walk into a business or drive through town, I'm looking at light bulbs. I'm not sure what stands out more: good lighting or bad lighting. I notice both! When I see colored light bulbs displayed in a home or business, I know it represents more than “just” decor. I know enough to slow down and say a prayer. I say a prayer because I know the people in that household are praying for someone or something that the colored light bulb represents. There is power in prayer and there is power in light. 

Colors are used to tell stories and convey emotion, and colored light bulbs are no different. Many colors representing important social causes are recognized and used nationally and globally. For example, blue lights have been used to support our local and national police force, as well as Autism awareness. Green lights have been used to support our active military and veterans, as well as Mental Health awareness. Red and green lights have long been used for Christmas décor, and to represent the joy and festivities of the holiday season.

When GoodBulb can help an organization spread awareness, express support, and exude love through light, we will always say YES! In past years, we’ve seen first-hand how colored bulbs are purchased and used for good. We’ve sold blue light bulbs to honor fallen police officers, green light bulbs to support our veterans, red light bulbs to support an indigenous woman’s family, and purple light bulbs to support Alzheimer’s disease and Epilepsy awareness. Fifty percent of the proceeds generated from these light bulb sales were donated directly to the organization or family they were purchased for. We are honored that these organizations and families asked GoodBulb to help.

Colors have a remarkable ability to convey emotions, create ambiance, and influence our perceptions. 

When it comes to light, the colors we perceive are a result of the various wavelengths of light that reach our eyes and stimulate our brains. Understanding what causes the colors of light to represent different meanings can deepen our appreciation for their impact on our daily lives. Let's explore the factors that contribute to these associations, and what causes are represented with a light bulb.

Cultural and symbolic significance 

Colors have cultural and symbolic significance that varies across societies, contexts, and causes. 

Certain colors become associated with specific meanings and emotions due to cultural influences. For instance, blue light symbolizes addiction recovery while pink symbolizes support for breast cancer survivors. Yellow colored light bulbs represent suicide awareness and many cancers. Green light represents support for military veterans and various environmental causes. Orange light signifies awareness for hunger and Leukemia.  

Here’s a chart for you to choose which colored LED is best for you based on the cause you want to promote or bring awareness to.  

 Project Blue Light 

Project Blue Light is a nationwide movement that recognizes and honors fallen police officers. To participate, display a blue light outside your home or inside a window. While this originally started during the holiday season, many supporters choose to keep a blue light illuminated during National Police Week in May. Others opt to shine blue for the entire year. 

Light it Up Blue 

Blue lights also support Autism awareness. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. Three years later, the research and educational organization, Autism Speaks, launched the Light It Up Blue campaign to raise awareness for World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month (April). Beginning on April 2^nd of every year, Autism awareness supporters are encouraged to turn their lights blue by changing out white light bulbs for blue ones, or covering light fixtures with blue filters, lenses, or gel sheets. Throughout the month, thousands of homes, schools, iconic landmarks, museums, stores, entertainment venues, and bridges go blue. 

Purple Light Nights 

In October 2007 the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force (CDVTF) in Washington held its first Purple Light Nights campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple lights shone bright in remembrance of domestic violence victims who survived and those that tragically lost their lives.

Blacklights are also recommended for Purple Light Nights events, as they emit a true purple hue. A blacklight or purple light bulb can be placed in your front porch light fixture or displayed inside your home. In public areas, string lights can be displayed in prominent places like storefront windows, trees, or building and bridge facades. Purple spotlights on landmarks such as museums or town halls are also a great way to show support.

Light Up Green 

The Light Up Green campaign in May represents Lyme Disease Awareness Month. It was started by a Lyme disease patient named Samantha who wanted her friends and neighbors to replace their porch lights with green bulbs to raise awareness for Lyme disease. The campaign has since grown, and now buildings around the world are washed in green light during the month of May to support Lyme patients. 

Go Red for Women 

The American Heart Association asks supporters to help their city go red in February to support American Heart Month. Individuals, businesses, and communities are encouraged to use red lights to illuminate the exterior of homes and office buildings, trees and bushes, landscaping, and other architectural features. The association recommends using gel light covers or purchasing red light bulbs. They even loan out equipment during the month so everyone can join in!

If you are passionate about showing your support for an important cause, you can do more than just wear a bracelet or display a ribbon. Grab your neighbor’s attention, catch the eye of people driving past your business, and ignite the desire to learn about other social causes by wearing the color or decorating with it.

If you have a color that represents a cause not listed above, please let us know so we can learn more about the cause and add it to the list for others to learn from as well!

Take a look at all the colored LEDs we offer at GoodBulb by clicking here. To get in touch with a lighting specialist, aka a Lumen Master, click here where we will help you find the bulb you need.