"LED string lights use much less energy than incandescent string lights, and I hope all Hoosiers who decorate with lights will choose LED," said Thomas W. Easterly, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
"Because lowering our energy consumption directly reduces emissions from power plants, energy conservation is one of the most important ways that we, as individuals, can protect air quality and our environment."
LED lights offer these advantages over incandescent lights:
- They use a fraction of the energy-LED lights use only 0.04 watts per bulb, 1/10th the energy of mini-lights, which use .4 watts per bulb, and 1/100th the energy of standard (C-7) bulbs, which use 4 watts per bulb;
- They are long-lasting-LED lights last up to 200,000 hours used indoors (20 years continuous use); and,
- They are safer around combustible materials-LED lights produce little heat; remain cool to the touch; and, are resistant to impact.
When the holiday lights come down, remember that Christmas trees don't need to go to the curb for trash pickup. Public and private composting facilities can chip trees for mulch. Trees also can be used in conservation projects, such as stabilizing the banks of streams and ponds or creating underwater habitats.
After packages are opened, remember to donate or recycle those
unwanted electronics: you'll be keeping lead, cadmium and chromium,
commonly found in electronic components, out of the environment. And
keep holiday parties and office get-togethers greener this year by
recycling as much as possible. Manufacturers can conserve energy and
raw materials by reusing recycled aluminum, steel, glass, plastic,
paper and electronic components in making new products.
For more "green" holiday tips, visit IDEM's holiday recycling Web page at http://www.idem.IN.gov/holidays.
Source: Indiana Department of Environmental Management Press Release
Technorati Tags: News Environment Family Government Indiana Department of Environmental Management - IDEM Thomas W. Easterly 
Has anyone used actual LED
Has anyone used actual LED lightbulbs in their homes? I'm interested in them, but don't know what the light output is?
(Yes, I'm still in Missouri, bored while the fiance is "beautifying" her self for the day.
Very interesting idea! I
Very interesting idea! I might check that out next year. I only have one tiny strand outside right now and turn it on about every other day. I'm just not into it this year. But the idea of using LED does make me think of the house in Deck the Halls. Funny!
To late for this year!
To late for this year! Already have the lights up!
Okay I'm a dork but are
Okay I'm a dork but are those the weird shaped bulbs?
I have them for the two lamps I use most often. So far so good. I should have put the date I bought them on the box but I'm thinking it was shortly after I moved in here so Aprilish? So 8 or 9 months without changing - I guess that is pretty good. I keep these lights on when I'm not at home so they are on all the time!
We have those, also, in all
We have those, also, in all of our light fixtures, except the bathroom where the bulbs are exposed above the mirrors. It wouldn't look right there. Those are the energy-efficient ones, but I am pretty sure they aren't LED. They are neat, though, because they do last forever and they do cut down on the bills. We've been using them for years now. In fact, we brought all of our bulbs from the old house that we've had for over a year and are still using them in the new house. My ex fiancee had one them, too, and I remember one particular lamp he had one in that was there before I met him, and when I moved out 2 years later, it was still glowing bright.
(No subject)