A long-life, environmentally disposable high pressure sodium lamp comprising: an arc tube capable of withstanding internal wall temperatures of 1250 to 1300.degree. C. and having electrodes sealed therein and being designed for operation at a given wattage; a discharge space within the arc tube and an arc generating and sustaining medium within the discharge space, the medium being mercury-free and containing sodium in an amount of about 0.02 mg to 0.06 mg/watt of designed operation, and xenon at a pressure of 100 to 200 Torr; mounting means supporting the arc tube within a glass outer envelope, the glass outer envelope being lead-free and arsenic-free; and an electrically conductive base closing the outer envelope and containing lead-in wires affixed to the electrodes, the lead-in wires being attached to the base by welding.