Middleburg Go Green is an ad hoc committee that was formed after a resolution was passed by the Town Council on March 8, 2007 to address environmental issues. The resolution stated that the Middleburg Town Council endorses the concept of sustainability and authorizes the formation of an ad hoc committee to complete an environmental assessment, increase community awareness of the importance of sustainability and develop recommendations for sustainability goals and action plans.

The major emphasis initially will be to encourage each of us to look at how we are using our natural resources; and seek ways in which we can work together as a town to make a positive impact. Most of the issues will involve activities we do everyday. We will start to become more aware of how our actions do impact and are interconnected with our environment, we will start to question and hopefully change how we do some of the everyday things in our lives.

The first issue for Middleburg Go Green is being addressed world wide, replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's). Every home within the Middleburg Town limits will receive on April 17, 2007, eight CFL's, which have been donated by the Clean Power Foundation based in Middleburg.

The CFL's save the consumer money, since they use approx. 75% less energy in addition to lasting from 7-10 years. The impact that the eight bulbs installed in the most frequently used fixtures, of the homes in our town, will be equivalent to removing 221 cars per year from the road while creating a net lifecycle savings of $223,796.00. These bulbs are 100% recyclable and we are looking into the best way for this to be accomplished. At this time the nearest bulb crusher is close to Baltimore. Hopefully, by the time these bulbs start to burn out we will have one closer to home.

CFL's are available in different shapes and colors; some are made for dimmers, 3 way switches and outside fixtures. Middleburg Millwork is looking to increase it's selection of CFL's and would like to hear from you regarding which of the bulbs you would like for them to stock. At the Millwork you can contact Cindy Wines at 687-6318.

The next issue for Middleburg Go Green is recycling. The CFL's will be delivered in canvas bags that have been donated by The American Water Resources Association based in Middleburg. The bags are to encourage us to start using reusable bags for our shopping in lieu of plastic bags. More information regarding the tremendous impact the thin little grocery bags and other plastic bags have on our environment will be in next months Eccentric.

Our next meeting will be at the Middleburg Town Office on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 9:00 a.m., we encourage you to join us. If you have an issue that you would like to see addressed by Middleburg Go Green, please write a note to: Middleburg Go Green, P.O. Box 703, Middleburg, VA 20118-0703.