Project Greenlight

why it's important:

Project Greenlight has some pretty sizable goals. Through Project Greenlight I aim to change the world by influencing people to live greener. By assisting everyday "folks" in switching over to more efficient CFLs I hope to make a lasting effect on our planet. If each individual makes just this small change it can make a positive ripple in our fight against global warming and a changing climate. And as said by Robert F. Kennedy, each tiny ripple of hope builds into a current.

the plan of action:

I first needed to raise money in order to purchase CFLs to hand out. To raise the required funds I wrote over 100 letters to businesses, celebrities, and corporations requesting items for raffle. I then conducted a raffle of over 30 donated prizes/packages at several local locations including malls, stores, and my church. With the money from the raffle I was able to purchase nearly 1,000 CFLs. I also received donations of CFLs from both local and national lighting companies including Philips, Westinghouse, and Sylvania.

At this point I began to distribute CFLs at community events. Through one of the giveaways I was put into contact with a national representative of CFL manufacturer TCP. His company then gave me a donation of nearly 1,000 more CFLs.

This spring and summer, as expected, I have been distributing CFLs, with my giveaways being held at local events. Recently with the encouragement of Greenlight New Orleans founder, Andi Hoffman I have decided to take my initiative one step further. I plan on partnering with his organization (which has distributed over 100,000 CFLs) and begin recruiting volunteers to install CFLs in individual homes. I hope to also aquire more sponsors and more CFLs for distribution. Taking my project to this level, however, will take more effort than I have had to put forth thus far. I plan on traveling to New Orleans to learn about the process of in-home installation and volunteer recruiting and hopefully coordinate my efforts with those of Green Light New Orleans.

how you can get involved:

Soon I hope to begin the process of installing CFLs. At that point I will need volunteers to assist in this. I also am working with another student in my high school to begin an environmental club which will most likely provide volunteers to my project.