Becoming greener one light at a time

04/21/2017

From 2007 to 2016, Frost Valley has decreased electricity use by 23%. How you might ask? Well, it is all in the light bulb. Starting in 2008, we replaced many of the lights on camp. It started with the T-12 lights which are the large tube-shaped ceiling fluorescent light bulbs. We replaced these with T-8 bulbs which are smaller in diameter and more efficient. Throughout camp, we also switched all of your lamp- sized incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use about 75% less wattage than incandescent bulbs. Then in 2014 we replaced exterior lights throughout camp with Light-Emitting Diode or LED lights.

At Frost Valley, we are constantly looking at our energy consumption and trying to decrease the amount we use. Just this past year, every staff member completed an energy checklist to see how energy efficient our personal homes are. Through this, we asked everyone to take notice of what light bulbs their homes had to see if any of the incandescent bulbs were forgotten during the changeover.

Since our initial light bulb exchange in 2008, the efficiency of the light bulb has continued to improve and we are trying to improve with them. To do this, we have started phasing out the T-8 light bulbs and replacing them with energy efficient LED lights.

What can you do to cut energy usage at home and at Frost Valley?

Start by changing all of your light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs. By replacing the five most used light bulbs in your home with LEDs, you can save about $75 per year.

Turn off your lights when no one is present. At Frost Valley we have several lights hooked into motion sensors located in low traffic hallways and buildings that are rarely used so the lights turn off automatically when no one is present. By using timers on lights at home, you can control when your lights turn on or off without you being present. Dimmers are also a great way to save electricity because you use lower light levels.

Help us continue to cut costs and save energy by consciously looking around your lodging before you leave to see if any lights need to be turned off. Your effort makes a difference!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Casey Kilian

My name is Casey and I am a Program Instructor. I love teaching others how to appreciate the environment and help them make a special connection to the forest!