As the end-of-the-year festivities approach, many families get together to celebrate the holiday season by cooking big dinners and putting up decorative lights around the house.
But the holiday spirit comes at a price. Energy consumption spikes as kitchen appliances, holiday lights and heaters are used much more during the short days and long nights.
Here are some "green choices and tips" you can make that will help reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooking and holiday lights spike energy consumption during the holidays. Cooking alone accounts for an estimated 4.5% of total home energy use. And as much as 15% of residential energy is used in the kitchen.
The Oregon Department of Energy suggest using smaller appliances while cooking, heating your oven wisely, and being mindful to not waste food, along with these other tips.
Also, switching your traditional incandescent holiday lights to LED lights is a huge energy saver.
“Not only do they use less electricity, they are also cooler to the touch, more durable than glass incandescent lights, and longer lasting. The same LED strand could still be in use 20 holiday seasons from now,” ODOE Energy Analyst Michael Freels said.
LED lights use up to 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Decorative LED light strings can also connect with several other decorative strings without overloading a wall socket.
Connecting your lights to a timer can help control and reduce energy consumption.
“Using a timer to automatically turn your lights on and off means you don’t have to remember to do it yourself, so you save energy during the day and after you go to bed.” Freels said.
Another effective way to go green is to adjust how you travel this season.
“In Oregon, almost 40% of harmful greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation,” Freels said. “Consider riding your bicycle or taking public transit for your shopping if you can. Shop early or during off-peak hours to avoid circling parking lots or idling engines.”