Green Light New Orleans
Green Light New Orleans was the inspiration for this program, without it the Bright Lights Project would not exist. The North Middlesex Service Learning Group traveled to New Orleans this past February. One of the first acts of service we participated in was an afternoon working with Green Light. We traveled around New Orleans, either by van or by foot to deliver and install CFL lightbulbs in their clients homes. Green Light's story is truly incredible, and is one I believe is worth telling.
Green Light was founded by Andreas Hoffmann a musician from Switzerland whom fell in love with New Orleans. After Katrina the first thing he did when he got home was replace his Incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs. He then realized how much money he was saving. Also during this time Andreas wanted to offset the amount of carbon waste he produced while on tour. Eventually these two moments merged and formed Green Light New Orleans. The program has become so successful they have started to expand. Now they also will install free backyard vegetable gardens. Once they install the garden they provide the tools and support the people will need to sustain their new food source.
In addition to installing light bulbs and gardens, they currently have a program to help involve and educate New Orleanians. The SPARK environmental education and action program works with elementary schools, Green Light also partners with High Schools and Universities to get kids involved with service while teaching them about leadership and the environment. It is astonishing the amount of a change can be created by a single light bulb moment. Green Light is proof that you should never give up on trying to make a change because you think you are just one person, because there are a lot of other people out there that want to make a difference, all you have to do is start.
In addition to installing light bulbs and gardens, they currently have a program to help involve and educate New Orleanians. The SPARK environmental education and action program works with elementary schools, Green Light also partners with High Schools and Universities to get kids involved with service while teaching them about leadership and the environment. It is astonishing the amount of a change can be created by a single light bulb moment. Green Light is proof that you should never give up on trying to make a change because you think you are just one person, because there are a lot of other people out there that want to make a difference, all you have to do is start.