WMEAC Powers Up “Project Light Change” in Grand Rapids Neighborhoods – June 2010

Project Light Change, an energy efficiency focused project of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), will be distributing 20,000 FREE Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs to residents in the City of Grand Rapids. Starting in June 2010, neighborhood associations will be working with WMEAC to distribute the CFLs to households throughout the city.

Residents of Garfield Park Neighborhood Association will be receiving their free CFLs on July 7, 2010. The CFLs will be distributed at the Garfield Park Lodge, 334 Burton SE.  Residents can pick up two free light bulbs between the hours or 7 AM and 7 PM, while supplies last. Residents must show proof of residence within GPNA by showing an ID (driver’s license). GPNA is receiving 4,000 light bulbs.

Project Light Change aims to help residents of Grand Rapids save money on their utility bills by reducing energy consumption. CFL bulbs are good for the pocket book as well as the environment. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than their standard incandescent or “traditional” counterparts. One bulb could save a homeowner $30 or more over its 5+ year lifespan. The 20,000 CFLs distributed in Grand Rapids will have a positive effect on the community by saving residents about $940,000 on electric bills and preventing emissions of more than 21 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, a measure of greenhouse gas impact. Accompanying the bulbs will be educational literature describing the benefits of replacing traditional bulbs with CFLs, why residents should recycle CFLs, and where they can take CFLs to be recycled in Grand Rapids.

Why should you recycle your burned out CFL?

All CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. That mercury can be released into the environment if it is sent to the landfill or waste incinerator. Many citizens in Grand Rapids are unaware that their trash is collected and taken to a waste incinerator. Although the waste-to-energy process produces electricity from the refuse, it is also the worst place for a CFL bulb to wind up at the end of its useful life. The project’s coordinator, Ann Erhardt, said that “We want to encourage residents of Grand Rapids to recycle their CFLs but also we want educate them

as to why it is important to their community that CFLs do not end up in the landfill or waste incinerator.” There are many locations in Grand Rapids that will recycle CFLs free of charge. Kent County has four recycling locations. In addition, all Lowe’s and Home Depot stores accept CFLs from homeowners for recycling. These services are free.

Project Light Change is funded by the Michigan Public Service Commission. WMEAC is a non-profit, membership organization working to lead environmental protection in West Michigan by inspiring action. Additional information can be found on the WMEAC website www.wmeac.org or by contacting the project coordinator at 616-451-3051 x24.