Going Green During the Holidays
- Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
As the holidays fast approach, it can feel daunting to limit energy consumption while balancing responsibilities of the season. However, it is important to remember that even the smallest changes in routine can lessen your environmental impact. The holiday season is therefore the perfect opportunity to implement energy-efficient choices—no matter how big or small—during the busy celebrations. Here are some tips and tricks from CWCC to help you stay green during the holiday season!
Use LED lights
Decorating the tree or house? Use LED lights to save energy and money! LED lights have a longer lifespan and 60-70% more energy efficient than regular lightbulbs. They are also chemical-free, recyclable, and extremely durable, meaning LED lights are a long-term, sustainable investment that will light up your holidays for years to come (IUP).
Carpool or use public transit
Whether it is for visiting loved ones or shopping for gifts, traveling during the holiday season is a common prerequisite to enjoy the festivities. Carpooling and using public transportation are perfect options to limit energy usage this season. Compared to driving alone, taking public transportation has a 45% lower carbon footprint and carpooling decreases emissions up to 11%, making both methods ideal for addressing energy consumption during the holidays (UCLA, Green.Earth). Bonus points if you carpool in an alternative fuel vehicle!
Shop local
As you curate your holiday checklist, consider how you can support local businesses while meeting your shopping needs. This can reduce travel time and therefore decrease carbon emissions because shopping local limits energy consumption from driving. Another factor to consider is purchasing from businesses with clean vehicle fleets to support energy efficient efforts higher in the product supply chain. By shopping local and purchasing from environmentally-conscious businesses, you can stay green and enjoy the festivities!
The holiday season is an exciting time to celebrate with loved ones, and it doesn’t have to come at the cost of energy efficiency. By making conscious choices during the festivities, you can limit your environmental impact through even the smallest changes to routine. Happy holidays from CWCC!
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