Permanent Christmas Lights vs. Holiday String Lights: Which Are More Eco-Friendly?

The holiday season is one of the best times of the year to light up your home and spread cheer. But while everyone loves the sparkle, many people are now thinking about which lights are better for the planet. Should you go with permanent Christmas lights or stick with holiday string lights? Both are popular, but they have different impacts on the environment. Let’s explore these options and find out which type of light is more eco-friendly.

It's important to do this research as ignoring it could lead to purchasing a lighting solution that is just plain bad for the environment. But, it does not have to be that way!

In this article, we will compare permanent Christmas lights to traditional holiday string lights and help you to identify which one is more eco-friendly. With over a million feet of eco-friendly permanent outdoor lights installed for our customers, you can trust that you will find no greenwashing here.

1. What Are Permanent Christmas Lights And Holiday String Lights?

Let’s start with a quick look at the two types of lights so we can understand what makes them different.

Permanent Christmas Lights: These lights are built to last on your home year-round. They’re made to handle all kinds of weather—snow, rain, and strong sunshine. Many permanent lights are designed to be controlled remotely or change colors, so you can use them for all holidays and seasons, not just Christmas.

Holiday String Lights: These are the classic lights that we all know, often bought just for the holiday season. String lights come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, and they’re meant to be used for a short time and then packed away or thrown out. Because of this, they’re usually not as sturdy as permanent lights.

2. How Permanent Christmas Lights And Traditional Holiday String Lights  Impact the Environment

Choosing between these two types of lights isn’t just about how they look; it’s also about how they impact our planet. Let’s explore what materials they’re made from, how much energy they use, and what happens to them when you’re done.

Materials

• Permanent Christmas Lights: These are made from tough, durable materials that are built to last. This means you won’t have to replace them every year, which can reduce waste over time.
• Holiday String Lights: These lights are often made from cheaper materials because they’re designed for short-term use. Since they’re less durable, they tend to break or wear out faster, which means they often end up in the trash.

Energy Use

• Permanent Christmas Lights: Most permanent lights use LED bulbs, which are very energy-efficient. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) use up to 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. This means that with permanent LED lights, you’re using less electricity overall, which is great for the planet and saves you money.
• Holiday String Lights: Many holiday string lights still use incandescent bulbs, which require more power. While some do use LEDs, many string lights aren’t designed with long-term energy savings in mind.

3. Durability And Lifespan Of Permanent Christmas Lights And Holiday String Lights: Which Lasts Longer?

When it comes to eco-friendliness, durability is key. The longer your lights last, the less often you have to buy new ones, which helps reduce waste.

Permanent Christmas Lights are built to stay on your home for many years. With some types lasting up to 50,000 hours (Lux Lights last up to 100,000 hours), they’re made to be sturdy and handle weather year-round. This long lifespan means less waste and fewer replacements. And, for what it’s worth, 

Holiday String Lights, on the other hand, usually only last one season, especially if they’re exposed to the elements like rain and snow. Since they’re not made to last as long, you might end up buying new string lights every year, which can lead to a lot of waste over time.

4. Waste And Disposal Of Permanent Christmas Lights And Holiday String Lights

Waste from holiday lights is another thing to consider when choosing the more eco-friendly option.

• Permanent Christmas Lights create less waste because they don’t need to be replaced as often. When permanent lights eventually do reach the end of their life, they often contain parts that can be recycled, like metal and glass.
• Holiday String Lights are different. Because they burn out or break quickly, they’re often thrown away at the end of each season. Unfortunately, string lights can be difficult to recycle due to the mix of metal and plastic materials in them, which means they often end up in landfills.

5. Carbon Footprint: Permanent Christmas Lights VS. Holiday String Lights

The “carbon footprint” of something includes the amount of fuel, materials, and energy used to make, ship, and install it. When it comes to holiday lights, we should think about how much effort and energy it takes to install and replace them each year.

• Permanent Christmas Lights: These lights are installed just once, so you don’t need to set them up every holiday season. This can save on things like ladders, packaging, and multiple trips to buy new lights each year. With permanent lights, you’re also less likely to use too many lights, as you can keep the setup just as you like it.
• Holiday String Lights: Since these lights are set up and taken down every year, they create more waste and use more energy. The packaging, extra trips to the store, and yearly replacements can all add to your overall carbon footprint.

6. Why LED Lighting Is The Eco-Friendly Choice For Permanent Christmas Lights And Holiday String Lights

No matter which type of holiday lighting you prefer, one thing is clear: LED lights are much better for the environment than incandescent bulbs. Here’s why:

• LEDs Use Less Energy: LEDs are very energy-efficient, using up to 80% less power than traditional bulbs.
• LEDs Last Much Longer: Incandescent bulbs might only last around 1,000 hours, while LED lights can shine for up to 50,000 hours, meaning they don’t need to be replaced as often, creating less waste.
• LEDs Are Safer and Cooler: Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs don’t heat up, which makes them safer to use and less likely to cause fires.

When it comes to both permanent and holiday string lights, using LEDs is a great way to save energy and reduce waste.

7. Permanent Christmas Lights VS. Holiday String Lights: Which One Is More Eco-Friendly?

When it comes to being eco-friendly, permanent Christmas lights have the edge over holiday string lights. Here’s why:

• Built to Last: Permanent lights are designed to stay up all year, which means fewer replacements and less waste over time.
• Energy Efficiency: Most permanent lights use energy-efficient LEDs, which means they use less power, helping to lower your carbon footprint.
• Less Waste Over Time: Since you don’t need to replace them every year, permanent lights produce less waste, making them a greener choice for our planet.

Holiday string lights can still be an eco-friendly option if you use LED versions and recycle them carefully. However, if you’re looking for a long-term solution, permanent Christmas lights are a great choice that’s better for the environment.

Permanent Christmas Lights VS. Holiday String Lights: Which Is Right For You?

Now that you've learned about both traditional and permanent Christmas lights, you’re ready to make the choice that’s right for you. If traditional lights are what you’re after, you can easily find them in many stores, like big-box retailers, or online shops like Walmart or Amazon. These lights are everywhere during the holiday season!

If you’ve decided to go with permanent Christmas lights, there’s a little more planning involved, but it’s worth it. One of the most important steps is finding the right company to install them for you.

If you’d like some help choosing, check out this related article: The Top 5 Best Permanent Christmas Lights Companies In Utah. This guide will help you find the best company for your home’s holiday lighting needs!