December, known for the holidays, is also a month that puts a strain on families’ wallets. Between the cold weather that requires heating, gifts, lunches and dinners, as well as the most elegant clothes, the budget needed is significant.
But how much do we consume during the Christmas season considering lighting, food and decorations/gifts? Let’s look at a detailed estimate.
Christmas consumption:
Let’s start with electric lights and decorations. Even the most modest crib can’t seem to do without electrical devices that replicate miniature merry-go-rounds, toy trains and farms. A 300-light string, for example, can consume an average of 17 kWh in a month of festivities, representing a considerable increase in energy consumption.
Christmas lights represent an extra in electricity consumption. Also to be considered is the intensive use of the dishwasher, especially during meals with guests, and the prolonged use of the oven and stove, affecting electricity and natural gas consumption.
The Christmas tree, lit 24 hours a day from Immaculate Conception to Epiphany, can consume about 0.25 kWh, corresponding to about 9 euros more per month. This increase in the bill is 30%, a third more than the norm.
Lighting the tree only for 6 hours a day can reduce the cost to 2.5 euros (0.0625 kWh). The future option to consider for energy supply is the use of solar and photovoltaic panels.
Environmental Impact:
In addition to energy consumption, it is important to note the environmental impact. CO2 emissions increase by 6 percent during the Christmas season, generating about 5.5 percent of total annual emissions.
Microplastics, found in plasticized gift cards and Christmas envelopes, contribute to environmental pollution. Cheap fast fashion clothes are a growing problem, estimating that they are worn only three times before being thrown away.
Food Waste:
The data on food waste are alarming. During the holidays in Italy, about 500,000 tons of food end up in the trash. This includes not only fresh food, but also products such as panettone, pasta, nougat and sparkling wine, which could be reused through anti-waste recipes.
Preparing a doggy bag for pets is a recommended option, helping to avoid wasting meat and fish.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Christmas, it is essential to consider more sustainable practices to reduce the economic and environmental impact of the holidays.
