By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
For anyone looking to save a few dollars on their electric bill plus looking for a cheap way to go green, local schools have a deal.
The city electric department has teamed up with the Washington High School DECA Club and Washington Catholic to sell compact fluorescent bulbs that save on electricity and, they claim, cost up to a dollar less than those sold at local retailers.
DECA members Brian Fitzgerald and Cody Harner came to a recent Washington City Council meeting to tout the bulbs, bought by the city which asked DECA and Washington Catholic High School to help spread the message about conservation and efficiency to local residents.
“The reason why we chose the schools is it was a way that we could help get awareness out,” Dustin Smith, electric department conservation specialist said. “Everyone listens to their kids.”
Fitzgerald told the council the club is selling four different types of CFLs, one that could fit in any size of lamp or fixture.
“The CFLs last four times longer than regular light bulbs and use a fourth of the energy of regular bulbs,” Fitzgerald said. “You will save $30 over the course of that bulb.”
DECA, an association of marketing students, is also promoting the concept of conservation. At last Monday’s meeting, Harner said bulbs are going fast. One local realtor bought 50 bulbs for their offices and homes.
“Think of what we could do if we could get to every company throughout the community,” Harner said. “Not only would they save money, but they would promote awareness throughout the community about saving money.”
But the bulbs are not just for companies, any electric user are able to purchase them for around $2.50. Mayor Larry Haag said these bulbs usually sell for around $3 at retailers.
“These are much cheaper than the bigger stores,” Harner said.
Haag said the city bought the bulbs at a bulk discount rate and it will be a major fund raiser for the two schools.
“This is better than selling cookie dough, popcorn or gift wrap,” Haag said. “This is a true fund raiser for this program and it will bring dollars to this community rather than sending it to Arkansas.”
Proceeds from the bulb sale will benefit DECA events and the Washington Catholic school fund.
To purchase the bulbs, call DECA at 254-3860, Ext. 288, Fitzgerald at 486-8052 or Harner at 698-1033. An order or a message can be left at anytime. Also in the works with the utility department is including order forms for the bulbs in utility bills.
Washington Catholic supporters can call the school at 254-2050 for more information.
