Cambridge Energy Alliance Offers Free LED Bulbs at Spring Lightbulb Swap Events

The Cambridge Energy Alliance will host four events this spring where residents can exchange up to three incandescent or CFL lightbulbs for LED lightbulbs. LED bulbs use 5-6 times less energy than incandescent bulbs and 40% less energy than CFL bulbs. In addition to long-term financial savings, LED bulbs are mercury-free and can last up to 20 years.

The swaps are free and open to all Cambridge residents at the following events:

• Cambridge Winter Farmers Market, Saturday, March 17, Cambridge Community Center Gymnasium, 5 Callendar St., 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
• Cambridge Science Festival, Friday, April 20, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
• Cambridge Bicycle Committee Spring Ride (post-ride celebration), Saturday, May 19, Cambridge Public Library Main Branch, 449 Broadway, 12:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.
• Cambridge River Festival, Saturday, June 2, Lechmere Canal Park, 11:00am – 6:00pm
  
  

The events will offer standard A19 LEDs, which fit most lamps and fixtures, and BR30 LEDs, typically used for recessed lighting. Exchanges are limited to 3 bulbs per household to ensure supply for all participants.

“Lightbulb swaps are a great example of how simple home improvement changes can result in energy savings,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “We look forward to building on the success of last year’s event, which exchanged hundreds of bulbs in a single afternoon, by providing more opportunities for the community to access energy efficient resources.”

“LED lightbulbs use less energy and are safer for consumers,” said Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning for the City of Cambridge. “These swap events are a great way to show residents that their actions can have a significant environmental impact on our community.”

Additional LED bulbs are available for purchase in a variety of colors and sizes at local hardware stores and online at MassSave.com.