'GO GREEN' WITH

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Much of the media attention on “green” energy focuses on renewable energy sources – wind, hydroelectric and solar power, for example.

But there is another type of green energy right at your fingertips: Conservation.

That’s right. Conserving the amount of energy you use is one way to help the environment. And here’s where the BWL can help.

We offer FREE energy conservation seminars for senior, civic, service and non-profit organizations. The EnergyWise Seminars* provide specific tips on how to save energy dollars through conservation, as well as explaining the benefits of installing Energy Star® products.

I saw some of the BWL’s bottled water at a recent community event. But I never see it sold in stores. Why?   ― H.J., Lansing

We like to think of our bottled water as 16-ounce 'advertisements' for our brand. Currently, though, the BWL has no plans to make a profit by selling its water. That’s why they’re not sold in stores. Instead, every year the BWL gives away thousands of bottles of water to neighborhood associations, schools, non-profit groups and so on. The water is donated, and is not meant to be sold at these events.  All we ask of groups is that they return the crates the water bottles come in, and that they display a sign that says “Compliments of the Lansing Board of Water & Light.”   If your school or neighborhood group wishes the BWL to donate bottled water, please make the request in writing. You can e-mail the request to mdn@lbwl.com or fax to (517) 702-6855. Be sure to include a brief explanation about the event and why you’re seeking a bottled water donation. Please include a daytime phone number.

Do you have a question for the Lansing Board of Water & Light?  Send it to Q CORNER:

  E-MAIL: mailto:mdn@lbwl.com

     FAX:  (517) 702-6855

    MAIL:  Lansing Board of Water & Light

          Communications Department

          1232 Haco Dr., P.O. Box 13007

          Lansing MI 48901.

The seminars explain how consumers can install energy-saving products in their homes. As a bonus, each seminar attendee receives a compact fluorescent light bulb and either an air-sealing or water-saving product – FREE!

There’s no charge for the seminars, which last 15 to 25 minutes. They can be incorporated into a group’s regular meeting or other event. For information, call (517) 702-6585.

*EnergyWise Seminars are made possible through a grant from the State of Michigan Energy Office. The BWL’s partner in this free program is Urban Options, an East Lansing-based non-profit agency specializing in energy efficiency issues.

Do you qualify

for weatherization help?

The Lansing Board of Water & Light’s EnergyWise Weatherization Program assists up to 100 homeowners by offering free energy audits and energy efficiency improvements.

Qualifying low- and moderate-income customers receive a free energy audit and free, energy-saving improvements such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, water heater blankets and weatherstripping.

Participants must be BWL customers who are current in their BWL utility bill payments, live in single-family dwellings and meet federal income guidelines. Preference will be given to customers who own their own homes.

For more information and to learn if you qualify for the EnergyWise Weatherization Program, call Urban Options at (517) 337-0422.

Neighborhood Market
Returns to
East Side

The popularity of open-air farmers markets continues to grow across the country – and right here in the Lansing area.

One of the most frequented markets last summer was the one on Kalamazoo Street, organized by the Allen Neighborhood Center. Last year, more than 11,000 people attended the weekly market.

The good news is . . .
it’s ba-ack!

Opening May 16 and continuing every Wednesday through October, this neighborhood market will bring together at least 12 farmers to sell their locally-grown produce. The weekly market runs from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at the northeast corner of Kalamazoo and Allen streets. EBT cards (food stamp debit cards) are accepted.

For more information, call the Allen Neighborhood Center at (517) 367-2468.

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR
HOTTEST CHILI JUDGING

The BWL Chili Cook-off is later than usual this year — June 22. So, we’ve extended the deadline for inviting BWL customers to be judges in the hottest chili division. If you want to be a judge, fill out the form below and send it by May 31.

Each year, we ask our “chili-worthy” customers if they have the “right stuff ” to sample the hottest of the hot chilis in our contest. So, if you think you can stand the heat, explain why in the form below.

Remember, the BWL Chili Cook-off is loads of fun, and it’s for a good cause. Proceeds will go to the HOPE Scholarship Program, Impression 5 Science Center, and Adopt A River.