To make your holiday season greener, consider using LED Christmas lights instead of their conventional counterparts. You can easily find LED Christmas lights, since most stores that sell Christmas lights stock their shelves with both varieties. It’s beginning to look like a greener Christmas the world over!

LED Christmas lights, which consume less energy than their traditional counterparts, also last ten times longer. They use 75% less energy. As such, you can reap savings on your electric bill this holiday season if you use this type of lighting.

As with traditional string lights, the LED variety are available in several shapes and sizes — including the popular “globe” and “mini” types. Additionally, both net and icicle forms are on the market. With so many options available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the color or style you want.

LED Christmas lights are safer than traditional lights. You can connect numerous strings together without worrying about overheating them. That said, it’s still wise to consult the box or manual to see how many strings the manufacturer says you can safely connect.

If you want to go even greener with your holiday decorations, select solar powered LED Christmas lights. These lights are more ecologically and energy friendly because they harness the sun’s energy. Some models are designed to light up at night. Amazon usually sells a strand of 50 lights for around $17. As such, you’ll save both money and energy by purchasing these LED light strands.

The initial cost of LED Christmas lights can sometimes turn people off. And, of course, there’s no denying that LED light strands cost more than conventional incandescents. However, the higher initial cost is easily offset by greener and more efficient lighting solutions.

If you can’t spend money on LED Christmas lights and still have working incandescent lights, you can buy Christmas light timers for your existing lights. Timers regulate your lights’ energy usage. In addition, these timers can give your house the appearance of someone being home when you’re away visiting friends and family during the holiday season because they turn on and off automatically, thereby helping to protect your home.

Regardless of whether you use incandescent or LED Christmas lights, you should observe safety protocols. For instance, by making sure you don’t pull on the cord when you unplug the lights, you can prevent tearing of the wiring inside. Check also for non-working bulbs or damage before you pack up and store light strands. Don’t use lights that have loose connections, broken sockets, or bare wires. Store Christmas Lights, and any electrical decorations, in a dry place where they can’t be damaged by water. Keep them out of children’s reach during storage, to ensure the wires are not damaged.

Christmas is a time in which we can make our planet and our future greener as we also celebrate our family and religion in this season of giving. Our steps toward a greener future can go a long way, so don’t forget that every little bit counts.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live cleaner lives. Learn more about green living at her blog on Building Green.

Original Article Use LED Christmas Lights for a Greener Holiday.