Bright sparks unite to 'Ban th Bulb' in the Yarra Valley

Energy-hungry light bulbs are feeling the heat, as the Yarra Valley’s Generation Green Ban the Bulb campaign gains momentum.

The free light bulb exchange program was launched on Wednesday, and will enable Yarra Valley residents to make an environmentally friendly switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.

Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor, Tim Heenan, said making the change couldn’t be easier for residents.

“Everything is supplied and volunteers from the Country Fire Authority change the bulbs for free. It’s a great chance to take advantage of more efficient technology, save the environment and save money on your bills,” he said.

The program also assists the local CFA, with fire fighters paid $2 for every light bulb they change.

“This initiative not only benefits the environment and community, it helps the CFA, with $10,000 already raised through their efforts to Ban the Bulb,” Mr Heenan said.

Last weekend, more than 330 homes participated in the light bulb exchange for the first time, with the CFA changing 4000 bulbs.

“By making the switch, those residents have made a positive impact on the environment, taking the equivalent of 1000 cars off the road for a year,” said Mr Heenan.

The Ban the Bulb campaign aims to see 50,000 light bulbs exchanged and is expected to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by local residents by 50,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to taking 12,000 cars off the road for a year.

In partnership with Low Energy Supplies and Services, six local Bendigo Community Bank^® branches are supporting the Yarra Valley’s Generation Green Ban the Bulb campaign. Local residents are urged to register for the bulb exchange at the following participating Community Bank^® branches:

• Mooroolbark Community Bank^® Branch
  Shop 19, Mooroolbark Terrace 66-74 Brice Ave, Mooroolbark
• Mount Evelyn & Districts Community Bank^® Branch
  Shop 2, 35-39 Wray Cres, Mt Evelyn
• Wandin Seville Community Bank^® Branch
  Shop 3, Lot 10 Union Rd, Wandin North
• Woori Yallock & District Community Bank^® Branch
  Shop 13, The Centre, 1585 Warburton Highway, Woori Yallock •
• Yarra Junction & District Community Bank^® Branch
  Shop 1, 2452 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction
• Warburton Community Bank^® Branch
  3399 Warburton Highway, Warburton

Bulb installations will take place every weekend (excluding the Anzac Day Holiday and Mother’s Day weekends) and finish on 31 May and 1 June.

For more information call into one of the Community Bank^® branches listed above.