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“We’re really pleased with the response. So far, 50 school groups have ordered almost 155,000 light bulbs. When those bulbs are sold to family and friends and installed in Island homes, that’s going to make a tremendous difference for homeowners and for our environment.”

Installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is a simple way to save energy and money, and protect the environment. The bulbs use up to 75 per cent less energy and last six to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. Island homeowners who participated in a pilot project in 2006 saved up to $95 a year on their electricity bill by switching to CFLs. Because they last so much longer, CFLs reduce landfill waste. And, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The compact fluorescent light bulbs are available, free of charge, to any school group that would like to use them for a fund-raising project. The minimum selling price is $2 per bulb or three bulbs for $5. All of the proceeds stay with the school group.

Education Minister Gerard Greenan said school groups carry out fund-raising for a variety of things that enrich students’ educational experience – such as band trips and extra-curricular sporting activities.

“The light bulbs are a great alternative to more traditional fund-raising projects. Based on the response, it’s clear that schools like the idea. I think Island homeowners will agree,” said Minister Greenan.

To find out more about the fund-raising opportunity, school groups can contact the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at 894-0288.