Hey earth muffins! The festive season is here! It often involves the dazzling glow of Christmas lights adorning homes and streets. While these lights bring joy and warmth during some bitter cold months, it’s essential to examine their environmental impact. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question, “Are Christmas Lights Sustainable?” and explore alternative options to decorate for the holidays this year.
So, Are Christmas Lights Sustainable?
Traditional incandescent Christmas lights are notorious for their high energy consumption. They are not usually very energy-efficient and can significantly contribute to your carbon footprint. Some Christmas lights may contain hazardous materials (such as PVC or lead) as well, which isn’t great for your health or the environment. Lastly, a lot of lights end up in the landfill once the bulbs burn out. Some strands of lights will die if even one bulb isn’t working properly, which creates a ton of excess waste over the holiday season. Overall, it is pretty obvious that Christmas lights are mostly made of plastic and use electricity whenever they are turned on; so, they aren’t particularly good for the planet.
What Are Some Eco-Friendly Alternatives?
- Solar powered lights – For a more sustainable choice, opt for solar powered lights. These lights harness energy from the sun during the day, eliminating the need for electricity at night which will reduce your overall environmental impact.
- Be more minimal with outside decor – Consider adopting a minimalist approach to Christmas decorations instead of putting them all over your house. For my house, I put lighted candles in each window with a wreath on the front door. It is such a great way to still be festive with a more eco-friendly aesthetic.
- Go for upcycled, DIY decorations – Get creative by upcycling old Christmas decor or crafting your own from supplies you already have around the house. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your decorations!
- Pick more eco-friendly lights – If you must use traditional Christmas lights on your house, opt for LED bulbs or lights that use rechargeable batteries. These choices will make for more sustainable holiday decorations.
The sustainability of Christmas lights largely depends on the choices you make as a consumer. It is totally possible to keep Christmas lights sustainable! Opting for LED lights, exploring solar-powered options, and embracing eco-friendly practices contribute to a more sustainable holiday tradition. By being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy the festive glow while minimizing your environmental impact for a totally low waste Christmas. How will you be decorating your house this year??
Love,
Jenna ♥
