Bright Idea Fundraiser

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Changing One Light Bulb
Can Make a World of Difference

KEEP collaborates with the ENERGY STAR^® Program at Focus on Energy to help support our Bright Idea Fundraiser. Between 16 and 97 organizations have participated in the fundraiser each year since the pilot. Each year, students sell thousands of energy efficient light bulbs to community members. Community members save energy and money by installing compact fluorescent light bulbs in their homes and students earn $2 for every bulb they sell. Energy efficient bulbs help reduce air pollution emissions from power plants; therefore, the fundraiser also helps the environment. The Focus on Energy rebate for the bulbs is sent to the student groups who collect the money to fund school projects and trips.

Over 32,000 ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) and 7,298 LED holiday lights were sold in the 2007/2008 school year through KEEP's Bright Idea Fundraiser. The students who participated in this fundraiser raised over $86,000 for their schools, clubs, or classes. Since these light bulbs are more energy efficient, they will reduce almost 38 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over their lifetime, which will be between 7-10 years. Not only does our fundraiser help students financially, it is educational, helps the environment, and reduces families utility bills. The bulbs sold this year will generate over 1.7 million dollars in energy savings over their lifetime!

If you are interested in participating for the 2009/2010 school year, please read through the Guidelines and fill out the Registration Form below. This fundraiser is offered each year to eligible Wisconsin schools and student organizations.

Sign Up for the 2009-10 Bright Idea Fundraiser
Click for 2009-10 Guidelines (PDF format)
Download the 2009-10 Registration Form (PDF format)

For more information on compact fluorescent light bulbs please read
Energy Efficient Home Lighting

Try these activities in your classroom!
The Cost of Using Energy (PDF) and Cost of Using Energy Student Pages (PDF)
Energy Divide (PDF)

For more information on mercury in CFLs read
Mercury and Energy Efficient Lighting (PDF)

For information on recycling CFLs go to www.lamprecycle.org or www.nema.org/lamprecycle/broken-lamps.doc. You can also read this article on what to do if a CFL breaks. To find the closest CFL recycler go to
www.focusonenergy.com/Resources/Find-a-Retailer.aspx.

Bright Idea Fundraiser Top Sellers
Students who sold 100 or more CFLs and/or LED holiday lights in the fall and early spring were honored at the 2009 Energy Awards Ceremony held on April 22 at UW-Stevens Point.

Derek Dragonowski accepts his certificate. Students also received a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. (Please click on the thumbnail to view a larger photo.)

Fundraiser Coordinators - Do you have a question about the fundraiser? Read the Bright Idea Fundraiser Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have additional questions about the Bright Idea Fundraiser contact KEEP at 715.346.4651 or cziolkow@uwsp.edu.

Illinois - Lights for Learning
Maine - Maine Energy Education Program
National - karen@myschoollights.com (email)
New York - One Planet Fundraising

Send comments and suggestions to KEEP, energy@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-4770.

Copyright 2001 KEEP