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Bright & Green Christmas Lights
November 29, 2007

The famed Rockefeller Christmas Tree was lit once again last night. But this year, the 84-foot tall symbol is illuminated with energy saving LED bulbs, instead of conventional bulbs. The tree is covered with 30,000 LED lights, strung on wires stretching 5 miles long. This simple switch will reduce energy consumption from 3,510 to 1,297 kilowatt per day; savings equivalent to energy usage for an average 2000 square-foot home in a month!

Although most of us won’t be using 30,000 lights to illuminate our tree or home, families can consume thousands of extra kilowatts in December on holiday lights. If you have your heart set on holiday twinkle, take a cue from the owners of Rockefeller Center and use energy efficient holiday lighting.

LED lights use up to 90% less energy, are safe (cool) to touch and come in a variety of different styles. Just check out the dizzying selection at Environmental Lights.

In addition, here are a few other tips to conserve energy.

• Use fewer strings of lights. Your house doesn’t need to be seen from outer space to be festival.
• Use smaller bulbs. Tiny twinkles tend to be more chic anyway.
• Turn on the lights only for a few hours and turn off the lights when you go to bed. A simple timer can save you the trouble.

Even without environmental consideration, lavish use of Christmas lights can really hit the pocket book. Here’s a quick Christmas Light Energy Calculator to help you figure out the extra cost of holiday excess. If given the choice between spending an extra $100 on electric bills or a nice holiday dinner, I know which one I would choose.

CindyC at Organicpicks

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