to decorate Christmas tree And lighting up the house with light decorations in Italy during the entire Christmas period contributes to the emission of about 20 thousand tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The data provided by the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SEMA) was released on the occasion of December 8, the day when millions of families dedicate themselves to decorating their homes for Christmas.
The impact of Christmas decorations on bills and the environment
From December 8th to January 6th, homes, inside and out, are filled with glittery decorations that stay lit for hours a day. This widespread proliferation of Christmas lights almost certainly leads to an increase in energy consumption. 30% compared to the rest of the year, Equivalent to 1,600 MW per day, for total 46,400 MWh during holiday period. This consumption translates into about 650 tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere per day, which reaches the total. Between 18 thousand and 20 thousand tons of CO2 throughout the Christmas season.
Waste generation also increases significantly during the Christmas holidays. Italy produces an average of 80,000 tons of paper and cardboard, which is More than 3 kg per family. At the same time, about 500 thousand tons of food, mainly fresh products such as fruit, pasta and vegetables, end up in waste, contributing to food waste.
However, the most important issue is related to transportation. “During the end-of-year holidays, the increase in private vehicle and public transport (trains, planes, buses) travel, along with the intensification of logistics activities associated with the trade and delivery of goods, determines the increase in pollution. Emissions (CO2, nitrogen oxides, etc.) about 130% compared to other periods of the year, with direct and indirect consequences on human health and the environment”, explains Alessandro Miani, President of CEMA.
Tips for Saving During the Holidays
With the arrival of December, Italian homes are filled with Christmas atmosphere, bringing with it the joy of the holidays but also some worries about the extra expenses of the period. Among them, electricity and gas bills represent a significant item, thanks to the increase in consumption during the winter months.
However, according to Switcho Observatory, a free digital platform that helps you save on electricity, gas, telephone and insurance, the situation is less dire than expected. For many Italian families, Christmas may bring a pleasant surprise: lighter bills than in recent years.
During the Christmas period, the increased use of household appliances and systems can increase the energy costs of Italian families. However, the economic impact varies significantly depending on the focus on consumption.
A careful family can almost limit the increase in expenses. Total 8.10 eurosThanks to the moderate use of the most common tools:
- Oven: +1,60 euros
- Dishwasher: +0,60 euros
- Hi-Fi System: +0,30 euros
- Stove: +1,60 euros
- Gas heating: +1,80 euros
- Christmas Lights: +2.20 EUR (with effective LED chains, from December 8 to January 6).
Conversely, a less cautious family may face much higher costs, reaching approx. 25,60 euros Overall, in this case, spending in several categories doubled or tripled:
- Oven: Up to 3.20 euros
- Dishwasher: Up to 1.30 euros
- Hi-Fi System: Up to 0.90 euros
- Stove: Up to 4 euros
- Gas heating: Up to 4.60 euros
- Christmas Lights: Up to 11.60 euros (if left several hours a day).
These figures highlight how careful consumption management can make a difference, reducing the economic impact without giving up the holiday heat.
