The theme for Christmas in Ross-on-Wye this year is saving energy as the Town Council celebrated the installation of new energy efficient Christmas lighting in the town at the end of November.
The lights for Christmas 2009 have been specifically designed to be energy efficient, reducing pollution and saving money at the same time. EAS students embraced this idea, building a custom-made 'Rudolph the LED nosed reindeer'. Rudolph has been built on a chassis by the students to demonstrate how much more light comes from LED bulbs, compared to conventional bulbs. Children will be able to generate electricity by pedalling Rudolph until his nose glows bright red. Town Councillor Jane Roberts commented that if someone were to pedal the bicycle all the time it would keep the lights shining throughout Christmas.
Carbon emissions in Ross-on-Wye are predicted to be one tonne less this year due to the switch to energy efficient LED lights. Householders and retailers in the town have the opportunity to win ‘Best Christmas lights display’ but in order to encourage energy efficiency, only displays using all energy efficient LED lights will be eligible to win. Marches Energy Agency will be joining Rudolph as they tour the town to admire household lights and give out advice on how to get more light for less energy and less money.
Words by Munira Jasat
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