Dreaming Of a 'Green' Christmas

Light Emitting Diodes Add Energy Efficiency, Flexibility While Cutting Down On Environmental Concerns

Home and business owners everywhere have been looking for ways to ‘go green’ in their everyday lives by using products that have less impact on the environment. This lifestyle has been working its way into the holiday season for years through a variety of products. Now, consumers looking for a ‘greener Christmas’ have options in their holiday decorations -- with LED technology.

LED lights derive their name from the fact they utilize “light emitting diodes” to create light. LED Christmas lights are similar too the traditional Christmas incandescent bulbs except that they do not have a filament inside that can burn out and take the entire string of bulbs with it. Instead, they are illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semi-conductor material.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if consumers replaced their conventional holiday lights with eco-friendly LEDs, at least TWO BILLION KILOWATT HOURS of electricity could be saved each month. This energy savings could power 200,000 HOMES FOR ONE YEAR!

Christmas Decor, the nation’s largest professional holiday decorating firm is spearheading the effort to spread the use of LED lights with its 375 locations in 48 states.

"Holiday lights and decorations bring warmth to our hearts and homes during the season, but with the LED lighting we hope to do our part for more energy efficient lighting. We're excited to be offering them to our clients throughout the country," said Blake Smith, president of Christmas Decor, Inc. Smith points out that, due to the nationwide shift to LED lighting, availability maybe limited.

“Our goal is to phase in LEDs and reach the point where they represent the vast majority of our holiday decorating installations,” added Smith. “As our clients face fuel surcharges, higher rates in their electric bills and become more environmentally conscious, LED’s really make good sense. LED’s clearly add not only an energy saving which is up to a 90 percent savings, but their versatility and beauty really add to our service package with their flexibility, durability and convenience.”