ShareThisUse the Tree as a Light and 9 Other Smidgens of Holiday Sustainability Wisdom
There are times during the holidays when every appliance in your home might be on at the same time. It’s madness. TVs, ovens, computers, video game systems, stoves, lights, coffee makers and the list goes on and on. But donʼt cringe! There are plenty of small things you can do to help reduce the effects of the energy tsunami and have a healthier holiday overall.
1. Use the Xmas tree as a light and turn the other lights off in the room.
2. A tree draped with LED Xmas tree lights can operate up to 90% more efficiently than a tree without LED lighting.
3. If you’re traveling for the holidays, unplug all your electric devices. TVs, DVDs, coffee makers, and computers all use small amounts of energy while plugged in.
4. Use the grill. It might not be possible depending on where you live, but grills are nice energy efficient alternatives to stoves and ovens— especially if your fuel of choice is natural lump charcoal.
5. Set outdoor lighting on timers.
6. Candles are a pleasant substitute for decorative lights.
7. Giving a new electronic gadget as a gift this year? Increasing amounts of consumer electronics are receiving the ENERGY STAR label, so if given the option, try to purchase the item with the ENERGY STAR label.
8. Don’t use the fireplace, and yes, it does depress me to write it. Unfortunately, fireplaces use that nice warm indoor air for combustion quicker than your properly adjusted thermostat is telling the heating system to make it. |
9. For people with allergies, imitation trees, wreaths and garland have become a lot more realistic over the years.
10. Buy locally and support small businesses over the holidays.
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