RelightNY

Who: Avery Hairston and RelightNY team
Age: 15
What: Founded RelightNY

Avery Hairston, a Freshman at Collegiate School in New York, founded RelightNY and leads a team of 9 high school students on a mission to make a difference. Check out their website, www.relightny.com (full of videos, press releases, information, and more) after you read about the group:

From the Founder:
Many people feel powerless to stop climate change. They wonder, “What can I possibly do to help?” The short answer: Change a light bulb. One thing everyone can do is switch from incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs. CFLs last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs and use less energy to produce the same amount of light. Less energy used means less fossil fuel burned and, subsequently, less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, slowing the rate of climate change. More practically, less energy used means a lower electricity bill each month—so your wallet benefits too. I, along with a growing Teen Advisory Board, formed the environmental awareness group RelightNY with the hope that we can educate and encourage people to take action and live in ways that protect the earth’s environment by simply switching a light bulb.

What is the mission of RelightNY?
RelightNY’s mission is to educate and inspire people to take action and live in ways that protect the earth’s environment for current and future generations.

How does RelightNY hope to inspire social change?
Supplying low-income housing units with energy-saving CFL bulbs, both helping families to save on utility costs and fighting global warming. Spreading awareness of the benefits of CFL bulbs. Encouraging all New Yorkers to switch to CFL bulbs in their homes.

How does RelightNY benefit the community and the environment?
Education
Through distribution of CFL bulbs to low-income families, awareness of environmental issues spreads and more people understand the intrinsic benefits of using less energy.
Environment
Switching to CFL bulbs reduces the amount of energy we use and the carbon emissions we produce.
Economy
CFL bulbs last up to 10 times longer than standard light bulbs and reduce electric costs.
Empowerment
Everyone can feel proud that they’re contributing to the fight against global warming!

What difference can a CFL make?
If every American swapped in just one bulb for an Energy Star-labeled CFL:
We would collectively save more than $8 billion in energy costs.
We would burn 30 billion fewer pounds of coal.
We would remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere.

How does RelightNY work?
1. RelightNY raises donations from corporate and individual sponsors.
2. Open Space Institute handles financial responsibilities, including distributing donor receipts for tax deductions.
3. RelightNY buys CFL bulbs at a discounted price.
4. RelightNY works with HELP USA to distribute CFLs to low-income families.
5. CFLs create a brighter tomorrow for families and the environment for years to come.

How do I donate?
Donations can be made out to: OSI/RelightNY, c/o Avery Hairston, 165 East 72nd Street, New York, NY 10021.