Q&A: Green holiday tree lights

Your eco-questions answered:

Question: So, I would like to put the lead-free presents under a lead-free Christmas tree.  I can get a real tree.  Any idea where to get lead-free lights? -- Miun

Answer: Is it really holiday prep time already? Last week I saw these holiday CFL bulbs on sale at Walgreens and thought of you, Miun --

Lead isn't so much a concern in light bulbs so much as energy efficiency and mercury content (in CFLs). Which is to say -- LED (light emitting diodes) lights address both those concerns, so my short answer is: Choose LEDs for your holiday lighting needs!

To start, LEDs contain no mercury. They also use 1/50th of the electricity of conventional bulbs and last 20 to 30 years, according to the Christian Science Monitor. LEDs produce twice as much light as a regular 60-watt bulb and are much harder to break, according to LiveScience.

Yes, LEDs cost a bit more upfront, but because of the bulbs' energy savings and longevity, they're more cost-effective than traditional bulbs. Over five years, energy costs on traditional bulbs will run you $142, compared with $31 for LEDs. Make the investment, and your LED lights will become gifts that keep giving for many holidays to come.

Many are jumping on the LED band wagon. Last year, California's state holiday tree at the Capitol was lighted with 6,500 LED bulbs. This year, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is converting to all LEDs for its Light Festival.

So now it's easier than ever to find LEDs, sold at Ikea, ACE Hardware and other familiar stores, and also widely available on the Internet.

While you're at it, sign up for green power with the DWP and make sure your now hopefully much smaller holiday energy needs are all met by renewable energy sources.

Lastly -- Don't know what to do with those old "regular" light bulbs? Turn them into holiday tree ornaments!

Got a question? Ask me: greenlagirl@gmail.com.

Top photo by Siel, photo of LED lights by Derek K. Miller via Flickr, and photo of light bulb ornament courtesy of 3R Living

Comments

[A Blessed Mom]

Lead is found in the wires and cords that the holiday lights are attached to. I too would like to know if holidays lights without lead exists. Our Christmas tree has not been lit up with lights for several years now because of this lead issue.