Saturday, November 29, 2008

Come See Our Holiday Lights

Sacramento knows how to celebrate!
My neighborhood decorates for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving every year...neighbors who don't comply get a gentle "reminder" or a bag of lights dropped off on the front porch as a less suble "nudge" to get going on decorating.

Did you know that many Sacramento residents are now going green for the holidays with energy efficient decorations?

Now low-wat bulbs like LED and other energy efficient solutions make Sacramento festive and green!

Energy efficient holiday lights are brighter and more vibrant than traditional lights and use over 85% less energy. LED bulbs are sturdier than traditional holiday bulbs and stay cool to the touch...a great safety feature. Sacramento residents also know to turn off lights before going to bed to save energy.

Want to know where the best light displays are? Each year the Sacramento Bee posts the Sacramento Holiday Lights Map for this purpose.

Spending the holidays in Sacramento? Remember to recycle your tree (no charge) at the Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Stay Warm in Sacramento

Visiting Sacramento for the holidays this year?

Here are some tips for keeping warm...and staying green. If you are visiting relatives or staying in one of our local hotels. It's easy to keep warm without wasting energy.

Dress for the Season

Sacramento has a chill in the air that is definitely putting everyone in the holiday spirit. Make sure to pack warm clothes this winter. Choose clothing made of recycled, organic and fair-trade products. Organic fabrics are soft and warm and perfectly natural for a holiday trip to Sacramento.

Monitor Your Thermostat

Turn it off during the day while you are away and turn it off again before bed. If you have a programmable thermostat, program it for when you know you need a little warmth and let the room cool down when you aren't there.

Get Cozy

No need to turn the thermostat up too high even when you are in your room. Bring your favorite blanket and cuddle up to stay warm. Light eco-friendly candles, like the soy candles I love from Taylor's Art & Soul in Old Sacramento, to create ambience and a general warmth in the room...make sure to follow safety rules with candles.

Let the Warmth In

Open drapes and curtains during the day to let the sun's warmth in your room. Close drapes and curtains at night to keep the cold air out.