Introduction: Lightbulb "green"house
The incandescent light bulb is the ultimate symbol of wasted energy. Since I don't use them anymore I wanted to transform them into something green instead of throwing them away.
This project was inspired by an ad I saw in the June 08 edition of Popular Science.
WARNING:
THIS INSTRUCTABLE REQUIRES THE USE OF DANGEROUS TOOLS AND SHARP GLASS. I ACCEPT NO LIABILITY FOR ANYTHING!
Step 1: Materials
I used:
-An old lightbulb. Best if burned out, but if its going to just sit and collect dust thats fine too.
-Epoxy. Best glue ever!
-7/16" socket. Holds the bulb on
-Some rubber part from my bike.
-Thing that goes between shower head and tiles
-Small plastic cup
-Soil
Tools:
-Pliers
-File
-Compressor
-Drill, drill bit
Step 2: Prepare the Lightbulb
Start by using pliers to pull the bottom contact off of the lightbulb.
Next use the file to break out the glass between the two contacts.
Break out the glass on the inside and use the file to smooth the edges.
Clean the white powder out of the lightbulb. You can do this with a rag, water or a compressor (not recommended).
Step 3: Prepare the Base
Using a drill (press) widen the hole in the bottom of the socket.
Use pliers to widen the hole in the bottom of the lightbulb until the socket fits snugly.
Epoxy the socket to the rubber piece. Let it dry for at least twenty minutes.
Epoxy that to the shower part. Let it dry for another twenty minutes.
Step 4: Add a Plant or Plant Seeds
This step is self explanatory. Either add a plant or seeds.
Step 5: Use It
Now all you have to do is fill the cup with soil and seeds (or small plants), put the base on it, then put the lightbulb over it.
Place it in a well lit window sill and occasionally water it
If you liked this instructable
please rate and vote
If you have any questions feel free to comment.
If you decide to make it please post pictures below.
Thanks!
First Prize in the
The Instructables Book Contest
Finalist in the
Discover Green Science Fair for a Better Planet
315 Comments
7 years ago
how do you water it
7 years ago
Hi, I've added your project to the "Unusual Uses for Light-Bulbs" Collection
This is the link If you are interested:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Unusual-Uses-for-L...
7 years ago
Not sure if you know, You need some air holes.
Plants need to breath too
8 years ago on Introduction
this is a real cool contraption.
9 years ago
This should be tried with a big bulb like used in street lamps
10 years ago on Introduction
Looks easy enough, might need some help with the bulb but will be making a whole bulb army of "green" houses...
10 years ago on Introduction
Super awesome! Need to try this...
10 years ago on Introduction
Super cool!!!!!!!!
10 years ago on Introduction
I love this idea, thank you, will definitely try this one, and following the comments below, take much care not to brake my bulb.
13 years ago on Step 2
When I made mine, I accidentally broke the little glass tube, and it shot off into the depths of my garage.
Reply 10 years ago on Step 2
I also just attempted to break the middle-glass out of an old bulb but the bottom of the bulb also cracked.
11 years ago on Introduction
this is amazing...would definately try to make this <3
11 years ago on Introduction
I love this!
15 years ago on Introduction
radical idea. i made a fancied up version and had fun makin it for the GF
heres a link to the other few photos:
http://flickr.com/photos/27366084@N07/sets/72157605548571428/
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Wicked Awesome!!!!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Pretty Steampunk. I want one of those!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
that is an awesome greenhouse! make an instructables
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
WOW!!! Nice job on the steampunk look!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Wow that is very cool looking... Reminds me of something you'd find in an old antique store.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I'm sure she was pleased as punch to accept such a one-of-a-kind gift! This plant's got STYLE. LinuxH4x0R, it's a bright green idea. Certainly made me smile, anyway.