Using LED Bulbs Lowers Energy Usage, Saves Residents Money
Area residents can purchase LED light bulbs at a discount at Focus on Energy Lighting Fairs at eight ThedaCare locations in October. LED light bulbs burn up to 25 percent longer than standard light bulbs and use up to 90 percent less energy than standard light bulbs, which saves consumers money.
By becoming more energy efficient, ThedaCare is a better steward of community resources, said ThedaCare sustainability leader Jeanine Knapp.
“We got involved because we are committed to energy efficiency in our own facilities and we are excited to share these opportunities so we’re inviting our team members and community residents to be energy efficient at home, too,” Knapp said. “The ThedaCare mission is to improve the health of our communities and reducing the amount of energy we use is one way we can do that. If we can get more local residents to use LED bulbs, it will not only reduce overall local energy usage, and improve air quality, but also save people money on their electrical bills.”
LED bulb usage reduces overall energy consumption and air pollution since coal-fueled power plants do not need to produce as much energy. Less air pollution is better not only for residents’ health, but also the environment, she said.
The idea to host the Lighting Fairs at ThedaCare came after a meeting between a Focus on Energy representative and the ThedaCare sustainability team. As team members learned how ThedaCare could benefit from energy-saving initiatives, the idea to share that information with the community was born, Knapp said. ThedaCare employees then began exploring where and when to hold the Lighting Fairs.
“October is Energy Awareness Month and that is an ideal time to host the fairs,” Knapp said. “ThedaCare is committed to responsible energy use and invites our employees and community members to attend the lighting fairs and for savings on LED light bulbs and other devices.”
The ThedaCare Focus on Energy Lighting Fairs will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Wed., Oct. 11: The Heritage & Peabody Manor, Appleton
- Thurs., Oct. 12: ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
- Thurs., Oct. 19: ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton
- Mon., Oct. 23: ThedaCare corporate offices in downtown Appleton
- Tues., Oct. 24: ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca
- Wed., Oct. 25: ThedaCare Medical Center-New London
- Thurs., Oct. 26: ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano
- Tues., Oct. 31: ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin
A variety of light bulb styles and different voltage amounts will be for sale. Prices run from $2 for a single LED bulb equivalent to an output of 50 watts to $10 for 10 LED bulbs equivalent to an output of 60 watts.
Focus on Energy is a statewide program run by Wisconsin utilities focused on improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy. The program helps eligible businesses and residents save energy and money by protecting the environment.
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 6,800 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 32 clinics in nine counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
