WSU Helps Sponsor Free Community Lightbulb Exchange

OGDEN, Utah – Residents of northern Utah can exchange old lightbulbs for free, energy efficient LED bulbs, thanks to a program sponsored by Weber State University’s Energy & Sustainability Office, Sustainability Practices and Research Center and their community partners.

The lightbulb exchange, called Empower Northern Utah, runs Sept. 11 through Nov. 16. Participants can exchange their lightbulbs at the WSU Community Education Center (2605 Monroe Blvd., Ogden) on Wednesdays from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. or at the Weber County Library main branch (2464 Jefferson Ave., Ogden) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Community members can exchange up to 15 incandescent or CFL lightbulbs per household. The energy efficient bulbs will save residents more than $100 per year on their power bills. Participants can also learn about other inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency, while helping with air quality and the climate.

“Underserved and low-income communities often carry a disproportionate burden when it comes to energy costs,” said Jenn Bodine, WSU Sustainability coordinator. “This issue is compounded by homes with inefficient lighting, heating and cooling, ineffective insulation and increasingly extreme temperatures.”

The Empower Northern Utah Light Bulb Exchange is the latest step in Weber State’s efforts to bring sustainability programs to low-income and underserved populations in the community.

“We hope Ogden residents take advantage of this program,” said Gregg Buxton, Ogden City Management Services director. “Replacing old, inefficient light bulbs with LED light bulbs is an easy way to bring down your annual energy bill. This exchange program is a rare opportunity to make that change at no cost.”

With funds from the Alan and Jeanne Hall Endowment for Community Outreach, and a donation of LED light bulbs from Rocky Mountain Power, Weber State Energy & Sustainability Office has 4,500 LED bulbs to distribute.

“In addition to both the energy and monetary savings for those who need it most, this program helps everyone in our communities get involved in and benefit from being more environmentally conscious,” Bodine said.

For more information about the Empower Northern Utah Light Bulb Exchange, visit weber.edu/empower

For a graphic, visit the following link.

photos.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2019-Photos/September-2019/i-Hzv24Vg/0/383d9048/X2/ENU-Light%20bulb%20exchangePNG-X2.png

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 •  shayleestevens@weber.edu

Contact:

Bonnie Christiansen, Academic Sustainability coordinator
801-626-6326 • bchristiansen2@weber.edu

 Jenn Bodine, WSU Sustainability coordinator
801-626-6421 • jenniferbodine@weber.edu