# Energy for Holiday Lights and Sustainable Celebrations - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/energy-for-holiday-lights-and-sustainable-celebrations/ - Published: 2011-12-08T23:50:36-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## GTMO Community Encouraged to Conserve Energy Over the Holidays ### Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – December 2011 As the holiday season lights up homes and spirits, the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) community is receiving a timely reminder: conserve energy wherever possible. Officials urge residents to be mindful of their electricity use—even during festive celebrations. ### Holiday Energy Use Adds Up Holiday decorations, increased cooking, and cooler weather often push energy consumption higher. As families string up lights and gather indoors, it’s easy to forget the cost—both financial and environmental. “We all want to celebrate,” said Mike McCord, NSGB’s installation energy manager.“ But being smart about our energy use ensures we protect our resources for the long term.” ![This image captures the gtmo tug boat artfully decorated with festive led lightsa heartwarming glimpse of energyefficient holiday spirit in the community ](https:// i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/5AB5AF52-6ED8-4623-A4F4- F11097E98084.jpeg?resize=474%2C347&quality=52&ssl=1 "5AB5AF52-6ED8-4623-A4F4-F11097E98084- The Green Living Guy") Ai image ### Lights Can Be Efficient—and Festive According to McCord, switching to LED lights is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce energy use during the holidays. LED holiday lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. That means more glow for less wattage—and lower bills. At NSGB, where resources are shipped in and energy efficiency is a strategic goal, every bit of savings helps. “The less fuel we consume to generate electricity, the better off we are,” McCord explained. ### Heating and Cooling Still Matter Even in a tropical location like Guantanamo Bay,[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/) consumption for heating and cooling systems plays a significant role. Residents are encouraged to set thermostats wisely, keep doors and windows closed while AC units run, and avoid cranking temperatures up or down too drastically. Small actions—like turning off lights when leaving a room or unplugging unused devices— can also have a major impact. ### A Community-Wide Effort The energy awareness push isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s also about maintaining operational readiness and supporting a sustainable mission. With the Department of Defense pushing to reduce energy intensity and increase renewable energy use across all installations, NSGB is part of a broader commitment. “It’s about doing the right thing,” McCord said. “If we each take a moment to conserve where we can, it adds up.” So while the holidays are a time for joy, they’re also a perfect opportunity to start new habits—ones that support a cleaner, more efficient future. Learn More About Energy Conservation: * ENERGY STAR Holiday Lighting Tips * U.S. Department of Energy Holiday Energy Savings **_Source: US Navy, Story Number: NNS111207-31 Release Date: 12/7/2011 5:16:00 PM_** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)