Counting it Up

Nov 17, 2008

Upon review of our numbers for tangible reduction, Polar Bear Revolution has reduced:

700 CFL light bulbs distributed =

574,000 lbs =

287 tons

of carbon dioxide.

Event - Environmental Club

Nov 17, 2008

Target Audience – Middle School Students

 

Goals

To raise awareness and educate children in ways they can start powering down.

 

To raise awareness on the plight of the polar bear.

 

To distribute CFL light bulbs to the students to use in their homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

 

 

Overview:

 

Seneca Valley Middle School Environmental Club meets once a month.  We offered to present our program to the club’s sponsor, and he invited us to attend the November 12, 2008 meeting.  We designed a “green quiz” for the members to take to see how much they already know about our environment.  First, we explained the mission of Polar Bears International’s Project Polar Bear, and our success thus far.  After giving them the quiz, we went over the answers and explained the ways they can “power down.”  One student correctly answered all the questions on the quiz and received a CFL light bulb for their family.  We also gave the sponsor a CFL and the Department Of Energy posters to put up in the middle school.  Each student was also given the NRDC Polar Bear Guide, bookmarks, stickers, DOE light switch cover, PBI Polar Bear Poster, the Energy Star Guide, and our 5 Simple Steps Poster.

 

Measurement:

 

6 20watt CFLs were distributed

880lbs of carbon dioxide reduced in a 20watt CFL’s life time

 

880 X 6 = 5,280lbs

5,280lbs = 2.64tons of CO₂ reduced

 

We pre-tested with the quiz and post-tested their knowledge, upon reviewing the answers.

 

Photos:

Event - Cub Scout Awareness

Nov 17, 2008

Nov 4, 2008, Election Day

 

Target Audience – Elementary Aged Children and their Families

 

Goals:

To raise awareness and educate cub scouts in ways they can power down.

 

To distribute CFL light bulbs to cub scouts.

 

To raise awareness about the plight of the polar bear.

 

Overview:

 

We were able to help Cub Scouts from Pack 457, Webelos II, Den 1 with their conservation efforts by distributing CFL light bulbs to them.  Along with the light bulbs, the scouts received our poster “5 Simple Steps to Power Down” and an assortment of energy saving brochures and handouts.  Each scout is replacing an incandescent bulb in his room with the energy efficient CFL.  In addition, each scout enjoyed doing the Horton activity packet.

 

 

Measurement:

 

6 15watt light bulbs were distributed.

 

723 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 15watt CFL’s life time

 

6 x 723lbs = 4,338lbs

 

4,338lbs = 2.17 tons of carbon dioxide reduced.

 

Photos:

Event - Senior Center Halloween Luncheon and Bingo

Nov 11, 2008

Target Audience – Senior Citizens

 

Goals:

 

To raise awareness and educate senior citizens in ways they can power down.

 

To distribute CFL light bulbs to senior citizens.

 

To raise awareness about the plight of the polar bear.

 

 

Overview:

 

Senior Citizens have been very receptive to our message to “power down.”  We approached the Cranberry Township Senior Center’s manager to see if there was a way we could impart our message to their members.  She invited us to participate in their Halloween Luncheon and Bingo, on Thursday October 30.  We decided to donate CFLs to the Senior Center as bingo prizes.  The CFL continues to be a pinnacle focus of our project, because it is a tangible way to show measurement in the reduction of CO₂.  We imparted our message of our 5 Simple Ways to Power Down, with the group.  All the CFL’s were bagged with the Energy Star brochure.  In only a few minutes, the first CFL was awarded.  The seniors were very grateful for their energy saving prizes and had a haunting afternoon.

 

Measurement:

 

34 20watt CFLs were donated and distributed

 

880 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 20watt CFL’s life time

 

34 X 880 = 29,920lbs

29,920lbs = 14.96 tons of CO₂ reduced

 

 

Photos:

 

Letter from the School

Oct 31, 2008

We received a letter from the Seneca Valley School District Superintendent's office thanking us for the CFL light bulb.  They infromed us that our district has implemented several projects to save energy.

Power Down - Passavant Retirement Community

Oct 21, 2008

 

 

September 26, 2008

 

Target Audience:             senior citizens

 

Goals: 

 

To raise awareness and educate senior citizens in ways they can power down.

 

To distribute CFL light bulbs to senior citizens.

 

To raise awareness about the plight of the polar bear.

 

 

Overview:

At the end of August, we met with the marketing director of Passavant Retirement Center.  We were pleased to here that Passavant had a corporate relamping and had changed their incandescent with CFLs two years ago.  Many of Passavant’s residents live in homes, apartments, or cottages on the campus. We targeted these residents and scheduled our event for September 26 at the fitness center at Passavant Retirement Center.  The day of the event, we set up our tables while the senior citizens were exercising.  On one table, we had all of our door prizes.  Through a donation from Wal-Mart, we bought a 3-way CFL light bulb, eco-friendly pillow, flashlight, and Wal-Mart friendly green bags.  We also bought Barns & Nobles “green” shopping bags as door prizes along with a Siemens hat and Good Humor-Klondike T-shirt.  On the other table, we had all of our handouts and giveaways for the senior citizens.  These included pens, key chains, notepads, and magnets from the Department of Energy and brochures from Energy Star.  Also on the table were CFL light bulbs for them.  We distributed 42 CFL light bulbs at that time explaining the importance of reducing CO₂ to each resident.  We left the remaining CFL light bulbs at Passavant’s Main Building for distribution to the residents as they came for dinner that evening.  Although we had hoped to interact with all the residents, we had other obligations that evening.  The staff said they would distribute them for us.  We stuffed the bags with our remaining giveaways and brochures.

 

Measurement:

 

The residents were very appreciative for receiving the CFL light bulb and some already were knowledgeable about the CFL’s energy saving capabilities.

 

85 CFL light bulbs were distributed between both locations

 

880 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 20 watt CFL’s lifetime

 

85 20 watt CFL light bulbs X 880 lbs = 74,800 lbs

 

74,800lbs = 37.4 tons of carbon dioxide reduced

Photos:

The Diffusion of Knowlege

Oct 18, 2008

We had the opportunity to tell 2 teachers from the Penn Hills School District (2nd Grade) and Norwin School District (3rd Grade) about our project.  They were very interested in educating their students about powering down, so we provided them with all our elementary student information, posters, and handouts for their students.

Bee Green - Revisited

Oct 18, 2008

Polar Bear Revolution made a return visit to Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School.  We delivered the polar bear adoption certificate for the school . We adopted a polar bear in the school’s name from the donations we collected during our events at CVE.  We had the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Principal, who updated us on the school’s “Bee Green” program.  We were thrilled to hear all the progress. The Art Department has started making a polar bear, which they will place next to the igloo we donated to the school.  As well, we noticed the carbon footprints all over the walls and ceiling in the school, with pledges from the students of how they plan on reducing CO2. They also have a green wall and going green messages posted all over the school. We discovered the school has begun changing out the bulbs with the CFL.  Other initiatives the school has undertaken include a newspaper recycling program, turning off lights and computers when not in use, turning the boiler off after school and on in the morning, encouraging solar heating, and lowering the thermostat on the furnace. It was great a feeling to know that we were the inspiration for many of their efforts.  We also got to check out the student’s T-shirts with the “Bee Green” theme. Check out the photos.  The Assistant Principal said she would keep us in the loop on their ongoing efforts.  Go CVE!

The Challenge to Be Green

Oct 12, 2008

Target Audience: Teenagers

 

Goals:

            To raise awareness and educate teenagers in ways they can power down.

 

            To raise awareness on the plight of the polar bear.

 

            To distribute CFL light bulbs to parents

 

Overview:

 

We were asked to participate is The Challenge to be Green Night, by the Youth Minister at St. Ferdinand’s Catholic Church in Cranberry Township. We decided to take our games, which have been popular at our events, along with some brochures and our five Simple Steps poster. Approximately 50 people attended the evening along with the Core Team and parent helpers.  While the group was waiting to eat dinner, they were able to play the games.  They could win a snowball (popcorn ball) or icicle (twizzler) for trying the game. We spoke to the group about the importance of powering down and went over things they can start doing at home to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The energy star brochure, polar bear guide, polar bear bookmark, global warming stickers and Pittsburgh Zoo global warming handout were also distributed.  We also discussed our focus, the CFL bulb, and highlighted our progress.  Each parent helper attending the evening received a CFL bulb.

 

Measurement:

 

The group was very receptive to our message.

 

17 CFL Bulbs were distributed.

 

880 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 20watt CFL’s lifetime

 

17 20watt CFL light bulbs X 880lbs = 14,960lbs

 

14960lbs = 7.48tons of carbon dioxide reduced

 

Photos:

Going Large With Ellen

Oct 07, 2008

Since the comedian Ellen DeGeneres is a champion of animals, we decided to send her a CFL light bulb and a stuffed polar bear.  We asked her to tell everyone who watches her show to use the bulb.  Now that is large scale!  We are keeping an eye on her show.

Bee Green - CVE

Sep 28, 2008

We were pleased to hear from the principal of Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School.  Their instructional leadership team is discussing plans on the school’s efforts to go green.  They have started recycling and the school theme is “Bee Green”.  CVE student’s T-shirts will feature this theme for the year.  This is great news.  We are glad that our efforts to educate the students and teachers about the need to go green and reduce global warming has made an impact.

Thanks to our Principal

Sep 23, 2008

Our principal hung the efficiency posters we gave him in the school hallways.  Thanks Mr. Cumo!

Upcoming Event

Sep 22, 2008

We met with the Marketing Director of Passavant Retirement Community about our plans for our upcoming event scheduled for September 26, 2008.

Power Down - CVE

Sep 18, 2008

Target Audience:  Elementary Youth, Faculty, and their Parents

Goals:

To raise awareness and educate children in ways they can start powering down.

To raise awareness on the plight of the polar bear.

To distribute CFL light bulbs to the parents of the students and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

To provide faculty and staff with educational materials on energy efficiency, powering down and the polar bear’s habitat and plight along with a CFL light bulb.

Overview:

In June, we met with the principal of Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School in the Seneca Valley School District about how we could raise awareness and educate students and their parents on ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.  We were given permission to have an event during “Meet the Teacher Nights” on August 28^th and September 2, 2008.  On these evenings the students in grades 1-4 and their parents meet with their new teacher for the 2008-09 school year.  We decided to use the same games and ideas we did during our Waterpark event.  We also wanted to give each family a CFL light bulb.  We decorated the doors with an arctic theme and had polar bear artwork throughout the halls.  We had our theme song “Revolution” by the Beatles playing along with a CD we made of children’s songs about polar bears, conservation, and recycling.  Over 400 families attended our event and participated in some way.

 

Faculty

On August 27, 2008 we addressed the faculty of Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School.  We informed them about Project Polar Bear and asked for their help in educating their students about powering down.  We put together 55 packets of educational and instructional materials we received from various agencies about energy efficiency and our own poster.  The packets contained:

 “5 Simple Steps to Power Down” poster that we constructed for the teachers to give to each of their students and to use as a learning tool.  The poster was printed on recycled paper donated by First Impressions Printing Company.

Posters for the teacher from the Department of Energy.

“Horton the Who: You can be an Energy Star” activity sheet for each student.

Mini posters and newsletter from Polar Bear International for the teacher.

CFL light bulb to use in the classroom or in their homes.

We received a great response from the teachers and staff.  They asked many questions about our project and were ready to get involved.  They had some great ideas of things they could do throughout the school year to support our effort.  We plan to have a follow up meeting with them in early fall on their implementation and how we can support them.  We made sure to present a CFL light bulb to the school principal, who was very helpful and supportive of our project.  See photos below.

 

Elementary Students

Students played the games “Hit the Switch” and “Get the Light”.  Each child who played received a bookmark, polar bear guide, and power down stickers provided by the NRDC.  If the student won the game, they could pick from the prizes, a Polar Bear International poster, Pittsburgh Zoo giveaways, or prizes from Good Humor-Klondike.  Students had the opportunity to win door prizes with a “green” or polar bear theme.  We purchased stuffed polar bears from our local Kohl’s.  The proceeds from our purchase went to Kohl’s’ charity, also a great way to give back to the community.  The other prizes were donated by the Pittsburgh Zoo, Learning Express, Barnes & Nobles, or were purchased.  Students also received a “Horton the Who Global Warming and You” Energy Star booklet and a life size polar bear paw print courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo.  Parents contributed to an Adopt a Polar Bear Fund.  We were pleased to have collected $50 to adopt a bear in Connoquenessing Valley Elementary’s name through the World Wildlife Fund.

Lastly, the igloo we built from recycled milk cartons was available for the kids to play in.  After the two day event, we decided to donate the igloo to the school.  They plan on using it throughout the year especially during their Earth Day Art Show.  See the photos below.

 

Parents

Each family that attended our event received a CFL light bulb plus brochures and other items from Energy Star and the US Department of Energy on how they can reduce their CO2 emissions by powering down.  The response from the parents was very positive and they appreciated the free CFL light bulb.  Many of the parents heard of our project through the recent newspaper article and are starting to switch their light bulbs over to CFLs.  See photos below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement:

445 CFL light bulbs were distributed during the two day event.

170 15watt bulbs

237 20watt bulbs

723lbs of carbon dioxide saved from a 15watt CFL’s lifetime

880lbs of carbon dioxide saved from a 20 watt CFL’s lifetime

170 X 723 = 122,910 lbs saved

144,600 lbs = 61.455 tons

 

237 X 880 = 208,560 lbs saved

215,600 lbs = 104.28 tones

 

61.455 + 104.28 = 165.735 tons of carbon dioxide reduced

 

Some of the older students were knowledgeable on ways they can “power down”.  For others it was a new concept.  We provided valuable information to raise awareness and educate them further.

We will be following up with the faculty on their efforts and will present CVE’s principal with the adoption certificate.

We would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their generous contributions and donations.

 

 

Neighborhood and Community Power Down

Aug 31, 2008

 

Target Audiences:

Our local neighbors and community

 

Goals:

To distribute CFL light bulbs to neighbors within our community and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

To educate our neighbors on how to conduct home audits and ways to save energy in the home.

To calculate the carbon footprints of our neighbors.

To meet with key government, legislative, and school officials about what they can do to “power down”.

 

 

Overview:

 

Research and Funding:

We chose the CFL light bulb primarily for three reasons; one CFL light bulb can reduce CO₂ dramatically, second a light bulb is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, and third we have a tangible means of measuring CO₂ reduction.  We began this facet by distributing the CFL to legislative and government officials and asking them to use the bulb but also to make decisions that can positively impact our environment.  We also gave the Seneca Valley School District Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and our Principal at the Intermediate High School a CFL and poster to place in the school and asked that they switch over to CFLs in the lamps in the school.  Our principal is shown in the photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our parents donated the first few bulbs to start our campaign, but we needed hundreds to make a real impact.  We decided to contact international corporations whose specialty is in energy production or lighting.  Two of the companies said no to us but the majority were very receptive to our idea and donated financially to our cause.  We also reached out to local retailers who sell the CFL.  They were all very generous and donated CFLs.  700 CFLs were donated and will be distributed throughout the rest of our canpaign.  The following is a list of our contributors:
            Westinghouse Electric Company
            OSRAM-Sylvania
            Philips Corporation
            Centri Dyne Equipment Company
            Costco Wholesale
            The Home Depot
            Lowes
            Cardello Lighting and Electric

 

Below are photos of two of our sponsors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When researching the CFL we learned that it contains small traces of mercury and needs to be disposed of properly.  We read that the Home Depot is starting a CFL recycling program.  We contacted our local Home Depot store manager and he gave us the logistics of the program.

 

 

 

We needed additional information to educate our neighbors on how they can be energy efficient too.  Once again we turned our attention to various organizations whose primarily focus is energy efficiency.  We received a variety of brochures, handouts, poster, and giveaways from the US Department of Energy, Energy Star, and our State Representative Metcalfe and will use them at all events.  To complement the brochures, we decided to calculate the carbon footprint of our neighbors in order to show them where and how the can be energy efficient.  We used it from Carbon Footprint LTD.

 

Implementation

Using our team letterhead with a shadow of a CFL light bulb, we wrote a letter to our neighbors asking them to use the bulb, how they can dispose of it, and who donated the bulbs.  We stuffed 200 bags with a bulb, brochure, and the letter.  After alerting one of the homeowners association presidents about the distribution, he emailed all the homeowners that we will be visiting them.

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the past two weeks we have gone door to door delivering the CFL light bulb.  We were surprised that some of our neighbors didn’t want one and showed a lack of concern about the environment, but most were very receptive to our project and thanked us for their gift.  Here are two neighbors accepting their CFL light bulbs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are now in the process of calculating and emailing the results of the carbon footprint surveys.  We still need to distribute some more light bulbs but to date 133 CFL light bulbs to our neighbors and community.

 

Measurement:

 

 

So far 131 light bulbs distributed to neighbors and community

85 15 watt CFLs were given out

48 20 watt CFLs were given out

723 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 15 watt CFL light bulb’s life time

880 lbs of carbon dioxide saved in a 20 watt CFL light bulb’s life time

 

 

85 X 723 = 61,455 lbs saved

61,455 lbs = 31 tons

 

48 X 880 = 42,240 lbs saved

42,240 lbs = 21.12 tones

 

31 + 21.12 = 52.12 tons of carbon dioxide reduced

 

http://www.countdownyourcarbon.org/our-assumptions.html

 

It's Working

Aug 21, 2008

We received a letter from the Chief Strategic Planning Officer for Cranberry Township thanking us for attending the Sustainability Meeting.  He also mentioned, because of our CFL gift, that the Township Manager started to switch out the incandescent light bulbs for the CFL in the township offices.

 

We have been very busy, and have completed our planning for our next two events and are starting implementation this week.

 

More event updates to come later.

Our Continuing Work In the Board Room

Aug 07, 2008

We have returned to the "board room" to meet with the Environmental Programs Coordinator of Cranberry Township.  We continued our disscussion on what Cranberry is doing to go "green".  In the meeting, we learned about the Township's current and effective recycling program.  We also shared our ideas on how to "power down" and expressed our views on what the Township is currently doing.  Before our meeting ended, Mr. Meeder informed us about the upcoming hazardous waste collection day in our community and we could volunteer if we had the time.  We presented him with a CFL light bulb and the "Clean and Green" and "Efficiency" posters from the U.S Department of Energy.  We asked him to place them in strategic places in the township building.  Instead, he asked us to help put them up.

 

Until next time,

Polar Bear Revolution

 

Photos:

Polar Bear Revolution In the News

Aug 07, 2008

We were interviewed by our local newspaper and on Thursday, July 31, 2008 we were featured on the front page of the Butler Eagle.  On Sunday, August 3, 2008, we were also featured on the front page of the Cranberry Eagle.  In our interview, we made a plea to our community that was published in both papers, "If every resident in Cranberry Township replaced one light bulb with a CFL light bulb, it could reduce CO2 emissions by 10,332 tons."

 

So far we have had great success.  We are continuing our plans for more events.

 

Untill next time,

Polar Bear Revolution

 

Photos:

 

Sustainable Cranberry

Aug 06, 2008

Polar Bear Revolution attended the Cranberry Township Sustainability meeting on July 31, 2008.  We were excited that our team project was highlighted at the start of the meeting by the Chief Strategic Planning Officer of Cranberry Township.  Our energy saving ideas that we have been communicating to our targeted audiences were shared with all who attended.  The three hour meeting revealed a lot of information on how Cranberry Township can become a more sustainable community.  We are proud to be part of a community that cares so much about the environment and is supporting our efforts to spread the word and help save the polar bears.

 

Polar Bear Revolution

Swim With the Polar Bears - A Huge Success

Jul 29, 2008

July 25, 2008

 

Target Audience:  Pre-School and Elementary Children

 

Goal: 

To raise awareness and educate children in ways they can start powering down.

To form energy saving habits.

To raise awareness on the plight of the polar bear.

 

Overview:

 

Habits start forming at a young age.  For that reason we selected pre-school and elementary students as one of our target audiences.  If energy saving habits are formed early then they stay with a person all their life.  Simple things like shutting the lights off when leaving a room or turning off the TV when done watching it, closing the refrigerator door, and of course, influencing your parents to buy the CFL light bulb.

 

These were the messages we gave to the 250 kids plus parents that attended Swim With the Polar Bear at the Cranberry Township Waterpark.  Camp Cranberry, a day camp, attended with 100 campers and counselors.  Flyers were sent home with the campers in their weekly newsletter and pool families were notified of the event upon admission to the pool.  Pool attendance during the hours of the event was 1,006.  Children ages 3-10 played two games “Hit the Switch” and “Get the Light” (CFL that is), that we constructed.  Every participant received stickers, bookmarks, and a polar bear kids guide from the NRDC.  If they won the game, the winners received a prize from Good Humor-Klondike, Cranberry Waterpark, or the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  We also had a door prize drawing with eco-friendly donations such as organic bags, T-shirts, stuffed polar bears, and books, from local businesses and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.  While the kids were in line to play the games, our volunteers talked to them about the 5 simple ways to power down, a learning guide that we made for them.  The highlight of the event was a massive igloo we made from nearly 200 recycled plastic gallon jugs donated from Marburger Dairy and our neighbors.  The polar bear mascot, Mr. Polar Bear, from the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, joined our event.  We wanted to measure our response so, before the door prize drawing, we asked the kids what were some of the good habits they learned at the event.  We were pleased that they did remember the power down message.  We want to thank the Cranberry Township Waterpark, our volunteers, sponsors, and our parents.  It was an awesome day.  We met our goals for this event.  Our photos show the games, our logo banner from Sign City, Wexford, door prize table, our volunteers, making and walking in the recycled igloo, and Mr. Polar Bear.

 

Measurement:

1,006 people were at the pool between the hours of our event.  Everyone who entered was given a flyer or saw the posting of the event.

250 children played both games ages 3-10 multiple times.

When randomly questioned before the door prize drawing what they can do to power down, the participants answered the questions correctly.

We used recycled meterials as much as possible throughout the event.

 

  

Photos:

Working From the Top Down

Jul 23, 2008

On the government and legislative front, we were pleased to receive letters from Senator Jane Orie and Representative Daryl Metcalfe.  Senator Orie recognized that in her important position, she “will continue to work my hardest to help protect our environment the best I can.”  She assured us she would use the CFL light bulb.

               

Representative Daryl Metcalfe also wrote to us.  He said “I will keep your concern in mind as I deal with legislation in Harrisburg, and continue the fight for energy independence.”

 

Lastly, we were invited by our township manager and chief strategic planning officer to attend a debriefing of the results of the township’s recent sustainability audit.  Looking forward to the meeting.

 

Until Next Time,

The Polar Bear Revoluion

 

Event 1: Planned

Jul 21, 2008

We have been very busy with our project since the last post.  Everything is ready for our first awareness and education event.  We have constructed our learning aids, received educational material, and finished obtaining door prizes and giveaways as well as getting volunteer help.  Everything is right on schedule.

Until next time,

The Polar Bear Revolution

Event Update

Jul 09, 2008

          We finished our logo and it looks great.  Again using the CFL light bulb as a symbol for knowledge and change.  We have set dates and times for three of our events.  We have three international corporations who have expressed an interest in our endeavor.  We should be hearing from them soon.  We have gotten door prize donations from various companies and organizations and all deal with conservation or the polar bear.

            We met with our township’s parks and recreations manager to discuss our special event.  In our meeting, we made recommendations for changes in going green.  We developed a plan for the township’s summer camps to have a “going green” theme.  We outlined the camp’s agenda.  At the end of the meeting, we presented her with a CFL light bulb as well.

 

Power Down - It's the Solution

Jul 09, 2008

Our revolution has begun.  We chose the power down category because we felt we can make the greatest impact for the greater good of our community.  Our strategy is to work from the top down, starting with our state and local government officials, then to the community, and to our next-door neighbors.  What better way to reduce CO₂ than starting with the CFL light bulbs, knowing just one bulb can make a difference in reducing carbon dioxide.  Also, the light bulb is a symbol of enlightenment and knowledge.  For example, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl of the City of Pittsburgh started the “Green Initiative Trust Fund” to reduce the city’s carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.  So, we sent him a compact florescent light bulb to start the project.  We presented Jerry Andree, Cranberry Township Manager, a CFL light bulb and discussed the Township’s initiative on going green.  In our discussion, he divulged some of those ways and was very open to our ideas as well.  We dropped by our state senator and representative’s offices.  We met briefly with their staff, discussed our plan of action, and of course presented them with CFL light bulbs.  Everyone has been willing to cooperate with us.

 

Planning Underway

Jun 20, 2008

The Polar Bear Revolution is off to a great start.  We have developed a logo and motto to use throughout our campaign.  The motto is "Power Down - It's The Solution".  We are beginning to meet with contacts from each of our targeted audiences to discuss our plans.  We began receiving donations and funding for our materials needed for our special events.  Everyone we contacted has been very receptive to our ideas.

Until next time,

The Polar Bear Revolution