Over the past few years, the Barrington Energy Task Force has been encouraging Barrington residents to switch from energy-wasting incandescent bulbs to energy-saving compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). With every household in Barrington changing five of their most frequently used bulbs to a CFL bulb, collectively the town saves $238,000 per year in energy costs, and keeps over 1,000 tons of CO² emissions per year from being released into our atmosphere. The Barrington Energy Task Force offered one free CFL bulb for every pledge to change 5 traditional bulbs as well as a free CFL to those who would take the New England Carbon Challenge; as a result of this effort, the BETF has now given away 15,000 CFLs throughout the “Keep Cool, Change Five” campaign. . . Thanks to the residents of Barrington for participating!
The Barrington Energy Task Force (BETF) donated a “green” laptop to the Barrington Library as part of an effort to increase awareness of energy saving opportunities. Funds to purchase the computer were provided by a grant to BETF from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF).
What makes this laptop a green laptop? “Well, a typical notebook computer only uses about 25 watts of power, while a typical desktop with an LCD monitor uses 200 watts.” stated BETF chairperson David Weingart . “However, what really makes this computer green is information we provided on the laptop. It has daily energy savings tips, a customized start page filled with links to energy-related websites (including a prominent link to the NH Carbon Challenge) and energy-saving fact sheets right on the desktop.”
The Barrington Public Library champions energy conservation education and is a collaborating partner on many of BETF’s outreach programs. The laptop donation was a natural fit with the ongoing partnership.
Library Director, Amy Inglis, “The library is pleased to be able to house many books and DVDs on energy conservation, many of which have been donated by the BETF. We also offer two circulating Kill-A-Watt Usage Monitors which the BET generously provided so citizens can monitor energy use in their homes. The new computer has not only provided an energy efficient system with tons of information, but an extra computer to help alleviate wait times for a terminal. It is by working in conjunction with local groups such as the BETF that the library can provide a wider range of items and services for the community on a limited budget.”
1 | tatkinson | May 9, 2010 | 
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Barrington Energy Task Force, CFLs, New England Carbon Challenge