Waveney District Council is giving away low-energy light bulbs to mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2008.

Residents who visit local council offices between Thursday 5 June and Thursday 12 June, will be asked to sign a personal carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction pledge and in return will receive a low-energy light bulb and a voucher entitling them to 5% off their first order of light bulbs. Pledges will be entered in a free prize draw for the chance to win a wind-up, solar powered radio.

The aim is to give away 2000 light bulbs Suffolk-wide, which will save 52 tonnes of carbon dioxide over a year. Councillor Ken Sale, Waveney’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, hopes that Waveney residents come out and support this important event. He said: “Making this pledge is your opportunity to show your personal commitment to this global issue. This event received huge support last year and we hope that more people sign up to reduce their CO2 emissions. We face a huge challenge, but we can all do our bit, starting by using low energy light bulbs.”

Residents can pick up their light bulb and make their pledge at the locations below. The light bulbs are subject to availability, so please get there early to avoid disappointment.

Location	Time of giveaway
Reception area, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft	10am-3pm
Reception area Beccles Local Office, Market Street, Beccles	10am-1pm and 2pm–4pm
Reception area, Bungay Local Office, Broad Street, Bungay	10am-1pm and 2pm–4pm
Reception area, Halesworth Local Office, London Road, Halesworth	10am-1pm and 2pm–4pm
Marina House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft (ex benefit office next to the Marina Theatre)	10am-3pm
Southwold Local Office, 69 High Street, Lowestoft	11am-4pm

The initiative has been organised by CRed Suffolk. CRed stands for Carbon Reduction and this county-wide partnership provides information and advice to help identify easy, everyday energy savings, as well as how to adapt to a changing climate via the CRed Suffolk Climate and Energy helpline 0800 0288938 or the CRed Suffolk website www.cred-uk.org/suffolk

Their mission is to equip residents to meet the 60% Challenge - a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025. As each individual is responsible for around 9,000 kilos of carbon emissions a year, this means saving 5,400 kilos.

World Environment Day is a United Nations’ campaign to generate worldwide awareness of the environment. The slogan for 2008 is ‘Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.' Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, countries, companies and communities are being asked to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. This year’s event will highlight initiatives that promote low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources and eco-friendly consumption.