Press Release by:

Dawn Francis, Co-Chair of Hinesburg Sustainability and Energy Planning Task Force 482-2719

Hinesburg Community Has Reduced CO2 Emissions by Almost 3 Tons!

The Hinesburg “Light Switch” Project has met its goal! Over 6,000 compact florescent bulbs (CFL’s) have been distributed to Hinesburg area residents over the last seven months. Last May, the local Energy Planning and Sustainability Task Force rolled out a vision that every Hinesburg house and building uses energy efficient lighting, such as compact florescent bulbs (CFL's). This is one easy way for our community to quickly make a difference in reducing the need for foreign oil, reducing carbon emissions into the air and reducing electric bills and usage for our residents.

The Hinesburg Sustainability and Energy Planning Task Force, in cooperation with Efficiency Vermont, the 10 % Challenge program, community leaders and Estey’s Hardware, kicked off their town-wide effort to save energy, protect the environment and reduce electric bills for Hinesburg residents and businesses on Green Up Day last May. The replacement of 6,000 incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs will result in a first year savings of $61,670 dollars and a savings of $223,443 over the life of the 6,000 bulbs. Throw in the carbon emission reduction factor and Hinesburgers have reduced their carbon emissions by 284 tons per year, which is equivalent to 49 less cars driving on the road.

If you haven’t yet made the switch, just take the half dozen or so incandescent light bulbs in your home that you use the most (kitchen, bathroom, living room) and replace them with the CFL bulbs. Since CFLs use 75% less electricity, replacing just these bulbs can reduce your total electrical consumption and energy bill by as much as 15 %. Thanks to the Efficiency Vermont program, reduced price CFLs are still available at Estey’s Hardware.