Earth Equity News

Young Climate Rhode Island Activists Launch Lunch Hour Lights Out Campaign. By Lisa Scotti, Johnston Sun Rise (Rhode Island), November 24, 2008. "Last December, Johnston resident Matthew Martinelli... began to wonder what he could do to support 'green' efforts. [He founded Lights Out Green In.] Martinelli says most people turn on the lights more from routine than necessity, especially during the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In fact, that is part of the organization's main goal: having businesses and households promise to turn off their lights between those hours. 'That's sort of a peak time,' said Martinelli. '[It] falls within most people's lunch hour, so it's the simplest time to ask people to turn the lights off.' Martinelli went on to say that turning off the lights for those two hours will not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions but reduce electric bills... His organization plans to help low-income residents and urban schools to participate in conservation efforts by [sponsoring local events to raise awareness and raise money to distribute] free compact-florescent light bulbs."