As the festive season approaches, and November gives way to December, our homes and streets begin to light up with twinkling displays, organised light shows and traditional Santa’s grottos. But beneath this sparkle lies an important question: how can we celebrate the season of joy and goodwill while being mindful of our planet?
In the UK, we use almost £66 million of electricity on Christmas Day alone – that’s 402Gwhs of electricity, or to put it in simpler terms, enough electricity to light the Eiffel Tower for 50 years! This year, let’s power our celebrations with a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability – spreading not just holiday cheer, but hope for a greener future.
Twinkle, Twinkle, LED star
Decorating your home sustainably this Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing festive cheer. In the same way that solar panels continue to produce energy throughout the winter months, solar-powered lights are a simple, cost-effective way to light up your home while reducing your energy consumption. Many manufacturers now offer beautiful, durable solar string lights that charge during the day and glow throughout the night, powered entirely by the (wintery!) sun.
For indoor decorations, energy-efficient LED bulbs are an excellent choice. They last around 25,000 hours-compared to about 1000 hours if you stick with traditional incandescent lights, but they also consume up to 80% less electricity, leaving a smaller carbon footprint while keeping your home merry and bright.
All I want for Christmas is…a renewable energy gift
This year, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Renewable energy solutions like solar chargers, wind-up flashlights, or even smart thermostats make excellent eco-friendly presents for friends and family. These gifts don’t just show you care about the recipient – they show you care about the planet, too.
And if you think gifting a smart thermostat to your other half might end in the cold shoulder over Christmas Dinner, then why not treat yourself to some renewable energy technology this Christmas? With the Tesla Powerwall 3 already being installed, get yourself to the forefront of renewable technology, and start 2025 off more sustainably.
Or why not let us treat you? As an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner, if you’re a non-Octopus customer, sign up to Octopus Energy using our affiliate link here and enjoy a £50 bill credit just for signing up!
Merry and Bright (and warm, and cosy)
The colder months often mean higher energy bills as we strive to stay warm and comfortable – in the UK, the average family spends £50 more on electricity throughout December. However, with renewable energy and mindful practices, you can stay cosy and warm without dramatically increasing your carbon footprint:
- Insulate and seal: Make sure your home is properly insulated to prevent heat loss, reducing the need for excessive heating.
- Turn off the plugs: Chances are you’ve got all manner of electrical items plugged in and on standby now, and they’ll use more power than you think. You could save £35 a year just by turning things off at the wall
- Smart heating systems: Use programmable thermostats powered by renewable energy to optimise heating and save energy – if you’re out all night at your work Christmas Do, make sure your heating isn’t left on!
- Use timers for your Christmas lights: Most of us are out at work all day, and our social diaries fill up in the evenings and at weekends this time of year. Using a timer makes sure you limit the number of hours your Christmas lights are on. So when you inevitably fall asleep on the sofa in front of Home Alone this Christmas, you know the lights will sort themselves out.
Make some green New Years’ Resolutions
As we reflect on the year behind us and plan 2025, let’s resolve to make renewable energy a part of our lives. Whether it’s installing solar panels, switching to a green energy provider, or advocating for Government policies that promote renewable energy adoption, every action counts, and Carter Renewables can help you achieve these resolutions easily, so you’re not falling off the wagon by February! This festive season, let’s not just light up our homes—let’s light up the path to a sustainable, renewable tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that our celebrations today contribute to a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come, and a healthier bank balance for you.