Yesterday Rare detailed its carbon offset program that is distributing energy-efficient compact florescent lights (CFLs) to communities in China and Indonesia.

So far, Rare has distributed 20,600 CFLs and has offset 744 metric tons of carbon. The villagers were very excited to receive the light bulbs, which will allow them to save money and protect the environment around them. (Many of the CFLs were distributed in areas were villagers use fuelwood, instead of electricity, which is not nearly as efficient and causes habitat loss in areas of high biodiversity. These energy efficient bulbs will allow villagers to switch to electricity easier and reduce their use of fuelwood.)

Below are photos from several of the areas where the CFLs were distributed. The distribution of CFLs is complete in China, and all of the CFLs should be distributed in Indonesia by the end of April. In addition to the photos that were taken, Rare staff members from each area wrote a little something about the distribution of the light bulbs.

Photos from Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve, China

By Duan Honglian

We had another very cheerful day as we provided energy efficient light bulbs to three villages in the Gaoligong Mountain area. Many of the local leaders supported us in this endeavor. After the leaders made some opening remarks, I introduced everyone to Rare’s Pride campaign to reduce wood harvesting for fuel and the origin and advantages of the energy efficient bulbs. I also said that I hoped everyone would be able to start using them right away. Since the surrounding villages have already had the lights for a while and they generally think that they are quite good, these three villages wanted to have the lights as well.

I could see that everyone was very excited to receive the bulbs. They all said that this is a very good project!

Photos from Yuhe Nature Reserve, China

By Li Xiaohong

Rare donated 5,700 energy efficient light bulbs and brought them into the hands of the Yuhe Nature Reserve villagers. If these light bulbs are turned on for two hours a day, more than 195 kilowatts will be saved each year. Also, the villagers will collectively save 97,783 RMB ($14,322 USD) per year. Thus, the bulbs are benefiting villagers and protecting the environment in a very significant way.

The powerful little bulbs, bring conservation to our homes, the fees are low but they radiate and glow, flowers are blooming on the mountain and in our souls.

Photos from Dashanbao Nature Reserve, China

By Dao Meibiao

January 1st, 2010 was a market day at the Dashanbao Nature Reserve. The sky was thick with fog and the weather was bitterly cold. The crowds had gathered at one side of the market to pick up the free energy efficient light bulbs provided by Rare. Later they all said, “These energy efficient bulbs were brought to us by the Black-necked Crane, helping save electricity save money and protect the environment. After they have been on for a while, they get even brighter. We love them.”

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