Christmas is in the air! And that means a lot of preparations from planning the feasts, asking who is willing to go with you when Simbang Gabi comes around, making wish lists, shopping for gifts, to of course putting up the decorations. It is definitely a season for celebration, more so for the electricity companies when they send your bills out.
How to brighten up your Christmas without making your electricity bill depressing:
1. Switch to LED lights! They’re a little more expensive, but last much longer and use 80-90% less power than conventional mini bulbs. They also come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors.
2. If you’re willing to spend a little more, switch to solar-powered lights. This is especially good for outdoor lighting.
3. Don’t leave your lights on for too long.
4. Recycle parols and ornaments. Get creative!
5. No matter how excited you are, try to hold off setting up your Christmas décor until December at least. Just because everyone else is setting up by September doesn’t mean that you have to as well.
6. Don’t leave appliances on standby. Doing so still wastes energy and will be reflected in your electricity bill. Unplug appliances when not in use. (This also goes for your cell phone chargers.)
7. It is the “–ber” season for a reason! If it is chilly outside, do not use your air-conditioner. Open your windows instead. Or use an electric fan.
8. Instead of staying indoors all the time, go outside! Go to Christmas festivals and fairs (such as the one by Riverbanks, Marikina), bazaars and shows.
9. You don’t even have to drive around. Spare yourself the hassle of driving through traffic and finding a place to park by commuting.
10. You can even carpool so that you enjoy the sights with other people you know.
11. Celebrate Christmas in reunions or community celebrations instead of just at home. Be sure to use reusables, not disposables!
12. Don’t just watch TV or stare at your computer screen while at home. Play board games, charades and bond with your family and friends. Christmas isn’t a time for yourself but a time to be with others.
A few facts:
1. Cheap lights are more likely to cause fires. The money you’ll also save will go to your electricity bill.
2. The average strand of traditional Christmas lights pulls about 1 amp, which is roughly the same as a 100 watt light bulb.
3. LED rope Christmas lights can be used indoors and outdoors. They last 10 times longer than traditional rope lights and use 90% less electricity. They don’t heat up and are even water and weather resistant.
The Christmas-light-source.com has a Christmas Lights Electricity Cost Calculator complete with instructions how to calculate just how much you spend on Christmas lights. (The amount is in dollars, though, but you can easily convert the amount because YOU are one SMART, ECO-FRIENDLY ATENEAN!)
For more tips on how to have an eco-firendly holiday, visit national geographic!
Have a Merry Christmas!!!
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