Hi everyone,
This may seem like a silly question, but do manufactures of CFL bulbs (General Electric, for example) give away free samples to non-profits or a charitable contribution. What about distributors (such as Home depot, Office Depot, etc.) If so, who would I have to contact to get more information? Any help or ideas would be appreciated.
Take care,
Maryum
Do Manufactors or Distributors Give away Free CFL's From?
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I know that it has been done in Pittsburgh several times over the years. Home Depot participated in one campaign, and I think it was Feit that supported another. The campaigns were part of larger energy efficiency or low-income energy programs run by Conservation Consultants Inc., community partners and public utilities.
Mary Whitney
University Sustainability Coordinator
412-365-1686
[email protected]
Chatham University Coolidge
120 Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
A note of caution with requesting that which appears to be free. All CFLs are reportedly manufactured in China. The product quality is not consistent. CFLs contain mercury. The form of mercury may not be the same. Higher quality bulbs may use amalgam mercury. Often lower quality bulbs are offered as the "giveaway" or provided at cost. In lower quality CFLs the product defect rate may be higher. One manufacturer also stated that depending on the distribution process, the bulb might be damaged, "some CFLs can be very sensitive". If the bulb doesn't last as long as they are marketed to the public then you have two challenges. One, the public (which can be a contained public as in the students at a university or the community at large) may brand all CFLs as low quality. Secondly, CFLs need to be offered with a return strategy in mind and in place, and not end up in the garbage or in landfill sites. Sometimes the recipients of free things do not bother to call to let you know there is a problem. When they do call the agency/entity/not for profit needs to have their staff (volunteers or not) trained in managing complaints from consumers/recipients. Programs are supposed to 'turn the consumer on' to solutions, not turn them off.
Good luck with your program.
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I got 500 bulbs donated by several manufacturers a few years ago for a media and education project. I just called the public relations folks. It would of course depend on the purpose.
Good luck,
Eric