CHARLESTON, W.Va. Joining the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light campaign is a bright way to save energy and the environment. The West Virginia Division of Energy is launching a drive to encourage West Virginians to take the campaign pledge.
The pledge is a promise to replace at least one traditional light with an energy-efficient one. An ENERGY STAR light uses about 75 percent less energy than a standard light, yet lasts up to 10 times longer.
To participate, West Virginians can visit the Division of Energy Website at www.energywv.org and click on the ENERGY STAR Pledge link. The page presents options to pledge to change lights, renew a previous pledge or get more information.
"Taking the pledge would be a meaningful way to celebrate international Earth Day on April 22," said Kelly Bragg, program manager with the state Division of Energy. "We would like to see greater numbers of West Virginians signed up to change a light by April 22."
Leading up to Earth Day, the energy-efficiency message will be carried on billboards, ads and newsletters. Ads in the state's major newspapers will encourage West Virginians to take the "Change a Light" pledge. One-page newsletters will be inserted in West Virginia newspapers across the state. Short articles and colorful graphics convey what the average citizen can do to save energy and money while helping the environment. The newsletter touches on topics such as energy-efficient appliances, heating and cooling, home inspections and other energy-saving tips.
The Division of Energy will also participate in Earth Day 2008: Family Fun Day on April 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston. This new Family Fun Day will feature ecology, creatures, a recycling art project and sculpture. Interactive displays from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection will include a model energy-efficient house and a hand-cranked generator that lets visitors compare the energy needs of traditional incandescent versus new Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Educational materials from the Division of Energy will be on hand.
West Virginians can monitor how many "Change a Light" pledges each state receives. Visit www.energywv.org, and click on the ENERGY STAR Pledge link. A map next to the pledge icons lets viewers check each state's current statistics on the number of pledges made, lights changed and energy dollars saved.
The West Virginia Division of Energy was established July 1 to develop energy resources and promote energy efficiency. For additional copies of the energy tips newsletter or for more information, call (800) 982-3386 or (304) 558-2234 or visit www.energywv.org. To access energy-efficiency articles and links, click "Energy saving tips."
(304) 558-2003 ext. 340