Christmas is the time for spending money… and energy. Every year, Americans use tons of energy during the holidays. According to phys.org, just the Christmas lights alone use more energy than entire countries, like El Salvador and Ethiopia, use in one year. While we all want the holidays to be warm and bright, we still have to think about the effect we have on the planet. This blog will go over some energy-savings tips to help you save the planet – and your wallet.
Make the Season Bright
If you don’t want to sacrifice the sparkly lights, consider switching to LED lights. LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity than standard lights. The price to buy them may be higher, but it’ll pay off in the long run – LED lights are longer-lasting, save you money on electric bills, and even reduce the risk of fires.
The Most Wonderful Time of Year
When putting up Christmas lights, a timer is essential. A timer will automatically shut off all lights during a set time, in case you forget to turn them off – that way, they won’t be draining electricity during unnecessary times of day. Christmas lights won’t be enjoyed during the daytime or late at night, so be sure to shut off all lights during those times. You can even use timers for your interior decorations so that they turn off when you go to bed.
Don’t Be a Grinch
Much like how the Grinch steals Christmas, lights and decorations can steal electricity from the outlet when they are left plugged in. Keep all decorations unplugged when not in use. To make it more convenient, you can plug them all into power strips, which you can easily switch on and off as needed.
Deck the Halls
Instead of using electrical decorations, consider decorating the inside and outside of your home with items that don’t light up. For the interior of your home, consider dishware, rugs, stockings, knick-knacks, and figurines that look festive without requiring electricity to glow. On the exterior, you can use wreaths, statues, nativity scenes, and much more. Get creative!
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Hosting a holiday dinner? Consider grilling your meat instead of using the oven. Ovens use more electricity than outdoor grills, and they can even overheat your home. Turkey and ham taste great when grilled, and it’ll provide a savory taste for all your guests! You can also use small appliances like a crock-pot or microwave to cook your dishes. If you must use the oven, try baking many dishes at once in order to conserve electricity.
Let Your Heart Be Light
Candles are a great way to light up the room without using electricity. They make a home feel extra cozy, and they even come in a wide variety of festive scents, like gingerbread, cranberry, sugar cookie, and much more. Shut off the lights and enjoy the warm glow of a candle-lit room!
