The Loyola University Community Action Progam’s current project has shed new light on environmental issues. They began their first Greenlight New Orleans project March 1, encouraging locals to change their incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

Robert Harman, political science sophomore and head of the project on campus, said it is a great way for students to get involved and spend a weekend with the community. Students and volunteers from the area spend five and a half hours installing light bulbs in newly renovated apartments and homes in the metro area.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 27 watt CFL light bulbs can replace 100-watt bulbs and still produce the same amount of light – using nearly 75 percent less energy. Project Greenlight New Orleans and the Katrina Relief Project have gained attention trying to encourage others to change with free CFL light bulbs from incandescent lights. The New Orleans Saints and Coca-Cola Company sponsored and donated funds to help New Orleans area homes still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

Every other Saturday, about 15 Loyola students visit the homes, and Harman feels that with these small acts, people will begin to see that anyone can help the environment. He says people tend to think of the environmental movement as “melting ice and polar bears,” but that is not all there is to it.

“A huge portion of environmental problems are beginning right down your block, across the tracks, next to your school and right near your home.”

Harman said they occasionally bring a group of out-of-town volunteers to assist in other opportunities around the city.

Katy Bodin can be reached at [email protected]. Rosie Dao can be reached at [email protected].