Have an Eco Friendly Christmas in San Diego This Year

There are many communities and councils around the world which provide light exchange programs, allowing residents to swap out their older more energy inefficient bulbs for compact fluorescent ones. But San Diego Gas & Electric have taken it just one step further.

This Christmas, for the sixth time, SDG&E are offering complimentary LED (light-emitting diode) bulb holiday lights.

Participants only need bring up to three strands of incandescent holiday lights and exchange them for an equivalent number of multi-coloured LED strands at any of the six lighting events, listed below.

All one need do to participate is bring along their old lights and a copy of their current SDG&E bill or their California ID.

“We’re happy to kick off the season with this year’s LED holiday light exchanges,” said Ted Reguly, director of customer programs for SDG&E. “We have received feedback from customers who look forward to this event as a tradition, and also appreciate learning how to save energy and money on their electric bill at the same time.”

The six lightning exchanges are listed below;

El Cajon LED Holiday Lighting Exchange
Sun., Nov. 20, 2011 – 8 a.m. to noon
Main Street between Magnolia Avenue and Claydelle Avenue (before the Mother Goose Parade)

Seaport Village LED Holiday Lighting Exchange
Sat. Nov. 26, 2011 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Seaport Village, East Plaza Gazebo (during Surfin’ Santa event)
West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego

San Diego LED Holiday Lighting Exchange
Fri., Dec, 2, 2011 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 3, 2011 – noon to 10 p.m.
December Nights, Balboa Park, in front of The Prado Restaurant

Chula Vista LED Holiday Lighting Exchange
Sat., Dec. 3, 2011 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Park (before Starlight Parade)
Park Way and 3rd Ave, Chula Vista

Escondido LED Holiday Lighting Exchange
Sun., Dec. 4, 2011 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
California Center for the Arts (in front of the Center Theatre)
340 N. Escondido Blvd.

There are several reasons to switch to LED holiday lights. Not only are they up to 90% more energy efficient than traditional incandescent holiday lights, but they’re also cooler to the touch meaning you’re not as likely to set fire to your house, and they last up to 100 times longer and shine brighter than your current lights.

A flyer for the event is available here, and you can fill out and bring the application here.

Source: San Diego Gas & Electric
Image Source: George Deputee