Pictou County Residents Can Save on Lighting

The Pictou County Firefighters' Association is teaming with Conserve Nova Scotia and Energy Conservation and Sustainability in Pictou County to distribute 15,000 energy-efficient light bulbs on Saturday, June 16.

The program is part of the Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency (SAVE) initiative. Under the program, residents can get two free compact fluorescent light bulbs per household at their local fire hall from 9 a.m. to noon during the one-day promotion. A list of participating fire halls is available at www.conservens.ca/lightingprograms .

"This is one of 16 major energy-efficient lighting programs that government is doing to promote energy efficiency in the province," said Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "These programs are a great way for consumers to try the bulbs, and learn more about the different types of bulbs on the market to meet their lighting needs."

Compact fluorescent lights use 75 per cent less energy, last up to 10 times longer, and can save about $40 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb. Each compact fluorescent light can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about one-quarter tonne.

"I think this is an excellent project that will further promote energy efficiency and conservation in Pictou County," said Allister MacDonald, Warden of the rural Municipality of Pictou County.

"This is a very worthwhile and assessable environmental project for citizens throughout our region," says New Glasgow Mayor Ann MacLean. "We are so pleased to be working with the County of Pictou, Conserve Nova Scotia and our local firefighter volunteer groups to give residents the opportunity for increased energy conservation."

Pictou County residents can also recycle the mercury in the bulbs through a new program from Pictou County Solid Waste Management. Failed compact fluorescent light bulbs can now be dropped off at the hazardous waste collection site, 220 Mount William Rd., Highway 106 on Wednesdays and the last Saturday morning of each month. The bulbs should be labelled and placed in a sealed container. The mercury from the compact fluorescents is removed using a modified machine called a Bulb-Eater and then recycled.

"I think Pictou County Solid Waste should be commended on their quick action to divert mercury from landfills in the region," said Steve Hardner, co-ordinator of Energy Conservation and Sustainability in Pictou County.

Participants in the SAVE program in Pictou County will receive information about the bulbs and what they should do in the event that one breaks. Participants will also receive information from Conserve Nova Scotia on other easy ways to save energy in the home.

The SAVE program is an initiative of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. During the four-province campaign, 97,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs will be distributed. Of those, Nova Scotia will distribute 45,000 bulbs through municipal electrical utilities, regional development authorities and community not-for-profit groups by September. Similar campaigns have been announced in Canso, Kentville, and the Strait-Highlands Region.