Attention Volozens : Don't Be a Dimbulb : Get Your FREE Bulb!

From the 4/23/09 Daily Herald:

Attention Volo residents: Go get your free light bulbs
By Lee Filas | Daily Herald Staff

And what's the prize for being one of 10 winners across the state? The village received 400 money-saving compact fluorescent lights to hand out to residents.

The CFL bulbs, courtesy of the Citizen's Utility Board, are designed to burn longer and use less electricity. They are available to Volo residents at village hall, 500 S. Fish Lake Road. There is a limit of two per household.

"They are here and we are giving them out to any village resident who wants them," Village Manager Ken Buchardt said. "We're happy about the award. It's a nice little thing for us to win."

Volo won the bulbs after residents took part in CUB's "Get Green" Community Giveaway, by pledging to use at least one energy-saving light bulb in their home within the next year. The village was one of 10 Illinois communities with the highest percentage of pledges in 2008, earning their share of the prize.

According to a news release, the money-saving CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than ordinary incandescent light bulbs, and can save users $50 over its lifetime.

"CFLs are great for both your pocketbook and the planet," said Rebecca Devens, CUB's environmental programs coordinator.

In 2008, 18,000 people statewide took the pledge by filling out a form at CUB's "Get Green" page at CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

Buchardt admits the results granting Volo the win may be a bit skewed.

"CUB went by percentages, so with Volo only having 1,000 residents in 2008, we needed a lot less residents to vote in favor of using the bulbs than larger towns," he said. "But, we still appreciate the bulbs and will get the word out that residents can pick up the bulbs here."