Urban Options “Change a Light Change Michigan” Campaign Results in Significant Energy Savings
LANSING, Michigan (October 20, 2007) – Mid Michigan residents purchased over 15,000 ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) within a few days at local Ace Hardware stores as part of the “Change a Light Change Michigan” campaign launched on October 1. The promotion was an effort by Urban Options and the Department of Labor & Economic Growth to provide an affordable opportunity for Michigan consumers to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs for as little as 99 cents with $2 instant rebates.
The 15,000 bulbs purchased locally will reduce Mid Michigan’s energy consumption by 4,669,560 kilowatt-hours (kWh) over the life of the bulbs – enough energy to power 467 homes for one year and reduce utility costs by more than $352,552 for Michigan residents. As for environmental benefits, it will prevent 2,335 tons of coal from being imported and burned and more than 5,603 tons of the greenhouse carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. That’s the equivalent of removing 754 cars from the road.
In keeping with their commitment to making our communities economically sustainable and environmentally friendly, a special “Change a Light Change Michigan” kick off campaign was hosted on October 1 at Lansing City Hall by Mayor’s Virg Bernero of Lansing and Samir Singh of East Lansing, Michigan Public Service Commissioner Monica Martinez, and the Board of Water & Light’s J. Peter Lark. A light bulb sale offered by Ace Hardware at the event sold 4,000 CFLs within 3 hours.
“It was very exciting to have so many Greater Lansing area residents purchase energy efficient lighting for their homes,” said Aileen Gow, Urban Options Executive Director. “We hope that through the “Change a Light Change Michigan” campaign more people will recognize the benefits of owning and using energy efficient lighting to save money, energy and help protect the environment.”
“The Change a Light Change Michigan” program was held in conjunction with the national “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more information about energy saving opportunities call Urban Options at 517-337-0422 or visit urbanoptions.org. Founded in 1978, Urban Options is a nonprofit energy education organization based in East Lansing, Michigan with a branch office, Northern Options, in Marquette. The organization offers energy education and services throughout Michigan.
Urban Options, Inc.
405 Grove Street
East Lansing, MI 48823
Tel. 517.337.0422
Fax. 517.337.0437
www.urbanoptions.org
Northern Options
255 Front Street, Suite 2F
Marquette, MI 49855
Tel. 906.226.1136
Fax. 906.226.1133
www.northernoptions.org
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