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If you’re like me, you probably don’t enjoy the inflated electric bill that goes hand in hand with your beautiful Christmas lights and holiday decorations. There is no better time then now to start looking into ways we can all lower our carbon footprint while shaving a few dollars off those dreaded electric bills. The technology is here, alternative energy is available, and some of the power saving solutions are simply wild!
I’m not quite ready for alternative energy, but I’d still like to lower my electric bill. What can I do?
For those that are not ready to harness up alternative energy sources just to power up their Christmas lights, there are still a couple of good ways to save some power and knock a few bucks off the old electric bill. First of all, with all the hustle and bustle during the holidays, it’s easy to forget to turn those lights off. Make sure to use timers to limit the amount of time your lights stay lit. Another great way to save energy is to invest in LED Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights are not only more durable then those fragile incandescent bulbs, but they last 1000’s of hours longer and use up to 33% less power. LED lights also produce less heat then incandescent bulbs, which makes them much safer on your Christmas tree. Between some energy efficient LED lights and automated timers, you’re sure to save a few bucks on the electric bill this year.
I’m ready to go green this Christmas, so where do I start?
As I mentioned above, LED lights and automated timers are great ways to save energy and knock a few dollars off the electric bill, but if you really want to see some savings, go solar. Solar Christmas lights are a great way to harness the sun’s energy and put it to work saving you money on your electric bill. Solar LED Christmas lights not only save additional energy, but they also generally have built in timers which eliminates the need to purchase additional automated timers. Solar LED lights are also very easy to install and there’s no extension cord clutter to deal with either.
Solar sounds great but what is this wild new technology you mentioned?
If solar isn’t an option for you and you still want to harness alternative energy sources, then maybe you should consider powering your Christmas lights with an electric eel. While that may sound very sarcastic, it’s possible! A Japanese aquarium has already proved that an electric eel can generate enough electricity to power Christmas lights. Electricity is generated when the eel moves, so the lights are not powered constantly, but rather flicker on and off. Great idea, but good luck finding an eel.
Watch the video below to see an electric eel power a 6 foot Christmas tree.
While Christmas lights powered by an electric eel is a great way to promote eco-awareness and alternative energy, I suggest embracing the option of solar powered LED Christmas lights in order to go green this holiday season.
Do you have eco-friendly holiday decorating tips? Leave a comment and let us know your energy saving ideas.
