Lighten Up CFL Distributions
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County organized two large scale energy efficiency outreach events in October 2010 and October 2011. In total 900 volunteers from Cornell University distributed 17,000 energy saving bags to residents throughout Tompkins County.
Each resuable bag contained energy saving information, including how to get a reduced or no-cost home energy assessment, low / no-cost ways to save, how to choose a contractor, and upcoming workshops and events. The bags also contained a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), coupons to local businesses, a raffle entry form, and information on other local energy saving initiatives.
Impact
If every resident replaces one regularly used incandescent bulb with the CFL included in their bag, Tompkins County residents will collectively save $945,000 and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 853 cars off the road for a year. And if residents take some of the other actions outlined in the bag, they personally can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year and help Tompkins County achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Interested in replicating Lighten Up?
CCE-Tompkins designed Lighten Up to be "open source" and we are excited to share resources with other communities. Check out our documents pages for more information:
- What's in the bag? Listing of all materials contained in the bags.
- Photos, Media Releases, and Media Coverage from the October 30, 2010 distribution day
- Volunteer Instructions, script and training handout
- List of sponsors
For more information, contact Shawn Lindabury at scl36@cornell.edu or 607-272-2292.
