Mission of Green Light New Orleans (parent company)
Green Light New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) founded by Andreas Hoffmann in October 2006 out of a desire to help New Orleans rebuild into a community in which the historical barriers between race and class were transcended and restoration efforts would embrace an environmentally sound approach.  Using volunteers, the Green Light New Orleans enables low and fixed income households to switch from incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which reduce carbon emissions and utility costs. Our strategy is to actually go to the homes of New Orleans residents and install the CFLs with their help. The mission of the program is to have a positive environmental impact by increasing the use of CFLs, helping low income residents reduce their utility bills and creating a connection between the volunteers and recipients of the service. of, so the bulbs are put to immediate use. The service is free. We change awareness as we change the bulbs, planting a seed that teaches participants that small changes can make a difference in combating the effects of global warming and rebuilding in a more efficient and sustainable manner. Click here to see how it works.

Creation of  Caring Community:  In the wake of Hurricane Katrina New Orleans was the beneficiary of tremendous amounts of generosity from citizens across the country.  Multiple civic and faith based groups converged on the city looking for ways to ease suffering and help in the rebuilding process. Civic engagement for New Orleans has rarely been higher than that which we experience today.  However many people who want to volunteer have limited time or are unclear/uncomfortable on how to make the human connection they seek.  Through the process of installing the CFLs the volunteer is in every corner of the person’s home and a human connection is made.  Routinely the volunteers and recipient of the bulbs are from very different cultural backgrounds.  The process of installation often becomes one of sharing life stories and creating a bond.  Most of the volunteers leave the experience deeply enriched from the interactions and feel they have received more than they have given.  The recipients learn about energy conservation and begin to see their role as stewards of our fragile environment.  From the simple act of spending a few hours together changing light bulbs, both lives and the planet are changed.

Goal
Your community faces strong increase in energy cost and serious consequences from climate change. Our goal is to switch entire communities from incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, one house at a time.

Why is your help needed:
New Orleans was a poor city before Hurricane Katrina. Since the Hurricane even more people have trouble paying for their basic expenses, including energy usage.Your support helps people get through this difficult time AND gives you an opportunity to actively fight global warming.
Photo right:
Hazel Stepter helping with the installation of her light bulbs©Robert Filbin

Green Light New Orleans
Green Light Lutcher-Gramercy
P.O.Box 13564
New Orleans
LA 70185
504-324-2429
green@greenlightneworleans.org