From an article about Christmas lights destroying the planet (link via commenter erg):

Dr Glenn Platt, who leads research on energy demand, said Australia got 80 per cent of its electricity by burning coal which pumps harmful emissions into the atmosphere. [emphasis mine]

Which immediately makes me ask: harmful to what? People? Animals? Plants? Dirt? Unicorns?

And even if it IS harmful – and pretty much anything is, in sufficient quantity (“the dose makes the poison”) – is the benefit worth the cost?

Well, I know the benefit of gazing on colored lights twinkling in the darkness is a moment of sublime contentment that’s far too scarce, and a memory that can be forever cherished.

The downside is that 200 years after you’re dead, someone might have to turn on a fan.

Totally worth it, I’d say.

So when I read things like:

CSIRO researchers said householders should know that each bulb turned on in the name of Christmas will increase emissions of greenhouse gases.

The only behavioral change this will make on my end is that, from now on, I will give a hearty battle cry of “IN THE NAME OF CHRISTMAS!” before firing up the incandescent magic.