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Energy Efficient Light Bulbs A Hit With Carteret Residents (9/24/2009)
CARTERET – Mayor Daniel J. Reiman encouraged residents to help save the environment on Saturday by promoting and distributing free light bulbs. Beginning this month, the borough has partnered with “Help Light New Jersey” to provide Energy Star qualified light bulbs to Carteret homeowners.
Nearly 2,000 boxes of six energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFLs) have been supplied to Carteret by the New Jersey-based organization, through the N.J. Clean Energy program. There will be no cost for participating, according to Reiman. Local homeowners will only be asked to fill out a form expressing their commitment to ‘green’ standards, and their interest in future energy-saving programs.
The volunteer organization “Help Light N.J.,” this year’s Energy Star award-winner, raised money throughout 2009 to purchase and distribute 60,000 CFL bulbs to New Jersey families and seniors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have honored Help Light NJ with the 2009 Regional ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing.
Help Light NJ, was founded by three New Jersey high school students, and to date has provided 10,000 families with six CFLs each, for a total estimated energy cost savings of $4 million.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, one Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $200 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
“We understand the importance of green standards, and the value of implementing them within our services and buildings,” Reiman said. “Help Light NJ is to be commended for their efforts towards the promotion of cost-saving and environmentally safe retrofits for homeowners, and for raising awareness with regards to clean energy standards.”
