1. Use LED lights - regular incandescent lights use 40.8 watts per 100 light strand (0.0408 kW), while a 100-light strand of LEDs uses 8 watts (0.008 kW).
2. Use a live Christmas tree. Live trees are biodegradable, classic, and smell great. Plus there are many great local tree farms in Massachusetts.
3. Use only soy or beeswax candles. Traditional candles degrade indoor air quality, and since we don’t spend much time outdoors in the winter, it is important to keep indoor air quality fresh in our homes.
4. Skip the poinsettia. Poinsettias are actually tropical plants native to Mexico. In order to have them in the Boston area, they are shipped across the country – adding an unnecessary weight to your carbon footprint. Use local plants for décor instead, or opt for a potted plant that will last from year to year (poinsettias are perennial, but often can only last a month or so here.)
5. Make blankets easily accessible. Drape them on the backs of couches and chairs – not only will this give your space a cozy vibe, it will also encourage people to use them instead of turning up the thermostat.
6. Use grey water to water your Christmas tree and other holiday plants. Do this by using water from a dehumidifier, a bucket from a roof/yard, or even keep a bucket in your shower.
Cameron Bruns is a sustainability writer for Boston Green Blog and Merida Meridian. To be featured on the North End Green Living page please email: GreenLivingBoston@gmail.com, and to learn more about green events and happenings in Boston, follow me on twitterand facebook!
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