Independent (Aberdeen, NJ): Aberdeen green team seeks community volunteers

Posted March 11, 2010 by OneChange

The township Green Team is seeking volunteers to help deliver free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs throughout the community at a special event to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17.

Funding for the bulb distribution is provided by Project Porchlight, a grassroots energy efficiency program that encourages people to switch from old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs to new energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

Volunteers will receive a T-shirt, button, free training, and a bag of CFL bulbs to deliver to their neighbors in Aberdeen. After deliveries are completed, volunteers are invited to return to the Aberdeen Township Municipal Building for a light lunch and to share their experiences.

Late last year, the Aberdeen Council passed a resolution to form a Green Team Advisory Committee, the first step on the path to becoming a “Sustainable Jersey” community. The committee develops plans, implements programs and assists with educational opportunities that support the creation of a sustainable community.

To achieve sustainable community certification, towns work to accumulate 100 points by completing required and optional tasks, each worth 10 to 40 points. In addition, participating municipalities must complete two of the following four priority actions: completing an energy audit of municipal buildings, a carbon footprint, a sustainable land use pledge, or a water conservation ordinance. Municipalities then can select from a number of elective actions for implementation based on what is most appropriate for their town. Aberdeen will earn up to 10 points in the Green Team Certification process for the CFL distribution.

Those interested in taking part can register by Wednesday, April 14, by contacting Vicky Allen at vicky.allen@porchlight.org or 609- 242-3010. For more information, visit www.projectporchlight.org.