4 Tips for Energy-Efficient Holiday Decorating

When shopping for holiday lights, opt for LED bulbs, which can help save both energy and money. This alternative uses 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and lasts 25 times longer. LED light bulbs are an excellent way to lower your household’s energy consumption year-round, but especially if you want to enjoy festive lights during the holiday season.

Reducing your electricity usage is the best way to lower your energy bill. Consider putting your holiday decorations on a timer to decrease the number of hours they’re active. Limit their time to a few hours in the evening, when people typically walk around and enjoy holiday lights, to save on your electric bill.

While string lights are a staple for most holiday decorations, there are alternatives that don’t require electricity. For example, use more vibrant ornaments on your tree to reduce the number of lights or add battery-powered candles around the house for a decorative touch. Instead of springing for an automated Santa or snowman for your front lawn, pick one that doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Solar energy is a form of green energy that has grown significantly in recent years and can be another great way to make your holiday decorations more eco-friendly. For example, there are plenty of solar lights available for outdoor holiday decorations — these work by capturing sunlight during the day to stay illuminated at night.

Harnessing the sun’s power is an excellent way to offset some of your electricity consumption and save big on holiday energy bills. And yes, solar still works in the winter because it relies on sunlight, not temperature. But be sure to keep them cleaned off if it snows to maintain optimal power generation.

Want to go the extra mile with your holiday decorating? Here are a few more ideas to make this holiday season festive and eco-friendly.

• Incorporate natural elements, such as pinecones or spare branches from your Christmas tree, to create decorations. You can DIY a centerpiece or wreath without spending money on a store-bought one.
• Host a decoration swap with your neighbors to try out different items for your home. This helps everyone switch up their holiday decor without having to throw away or purchase more pieces. You could also do this on your local Buy Nothing group.
• Give burnt-out holiday lights a new life with an art project. Dip your old lights in glitter or paint them for a colorful ornament or garland. You can also wrap your lights around vases, lamps, or figurines to add a new holiday touch to your space.