Hornets Planet Rebound: Hornets Volunteer for Green Light New Orleans
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com, @Jim_Eichenhofer
July 22, 2011
The back story of how Green Light New Orleans came into existence is fitting for one of America’s most interesting and unique cities. It’s a tale that features music, social consciousness and a man’s love affair with his adopted home.
A native of Switzerland, musician Andi Hoffman launched Green Light New Orleans in 2006, partly as a way to help local citizens who were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Using energy-efficient light bulbs, Hoffman’s idea not only saves recipients the cost of purchasing bulbs, but also helps reduce the carbon footprint of the Big Easy.
Originally a one-man project, Green Light New Orleans now is assisted by a large number of volunteer groups from around the country, often college students who wish to make a difference. Green Light New Orleans also receives help from companies and local corporations, including the New Orleans Hornets.
On July 15 and 22, a total of 50 Hornets staff members installed the energy-efficient bulbs (known as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) at various sites around the New Orleans metropolitan area. During a rainy, gloomy July 15 morning, 10 Hornets employees replaced bulbs at Cornerstone Homes, a complex that houses senior citizens. The complex is located not far from the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, about a 12-mile drive from downtown New Orleans.
“Green Light New Orleans has serviced over 10,000 homes in the metropolitan area and replaced over 250,000 light bulbs,” said Hornets Senior Vice President of Community Investment Steve Martin. “Their commitment to energy conservation and passion for servicing the residence in the area aligns with the goals and objectives of the Hornets’ Planet Rebound initiative.”
During the July 15 event alone, Hornets employees installed 471 CFLs, saving New Orleans residents $21,666 in energy costs, while reducing their carbon footprint by 210,537 pounds of CO2.
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