The holidays are a season of lights!  If your holiday preparations find
you climbing the attic stairs to once again drag out the old box of
traditional string lights made with breakable filaments and glass, you
should read on.  The Green Corner brings you some basic information on
lighting choices that may help you save money and use less energy as you
brighten the winter nights ahead.  

Incandescent bulb = the "old fashioned" light bulb
CFL = compact florescent bulb, "spiral" shaped
LED = light-emitting diode

Comparison charts of these bulbs are online and easy to read, and they
all point to the clear advantage of using the LED bulb:
The LEDs are more energy-and-cost-efficient, using approximately 75%
less energy than the traditional incandescent; they are more durable,
brighter, and have 10x the life of the incandescent bulb with no safety
concerns regarding breakage or CO2 emissions; the LED has "instant-on"
in any temperature and is safer because it is cooler.  The online charts
can estimate your cost for running lights on one tree for the holiday
season, as an example.  The data compares the life span of the bulb,
watts used, and annual operating cost. 

The Green Corner recommends replacing your old bulbs with Energy
Star(R)-qualified LED light strands which will offer savings over the
long run.  By making this choice, you will likely be taking advantage of
rebates built into the retail pricing.  For even more savings, use a
timer on your holiday light display.  LEDs come in "warm light" as well
as a variety of shapes for recessed and other type of lighting needs. 
Phillips is an excellent choice for efficient lighting products.  Free
LEDs are available through Mass Save with an energy audit.  Best of all,
go solar!  Options are available at Amazon, Home Depot, and other
retailers.  

Don't forget to use these energy-saving measures throughout the New
Year, with very best wishes for a happy and healthy 2016 from all of us
in the Green Corner.  

Mary Humphries