How many Mennonites does it take to change 1,700 light bulbs? Only three, if they are as motivated as Eldon and Hilde Krause and a friend were when they set out to replace the incandescent bulbs in their apartment complex with Energy Star rated bulbs
Eldon Krause, a retired manager of corporate planning in the Canadian post office, convinced the management of the apartment block where he lives at Menno House in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, that inefficient light bulbs should be replaced with low energy bulbs. He then worked with residents to see that light bulbs were changed within apartments as well as in public spaces. The new bulbs are Energy Star rated and use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Krause is also a proponent of heating with ground source heat pumps. These geothermal systems exchange heat with the ground rather than the air and can save over 50% of the energy used by conventional furnaces. Krause researched the systems and assisted in the installation of one at Bethany Manor, a large senior citizen complex in Saskatoon, SK. He has also lectured and advised on the topic.
Krause is a member of Mennonite Creation Care Network. If you have a question for him, email eldonkrause@shaw.ca.
Action Steps • Buy a supply of compact florescent light bulbs for your house. • Look around the public spaces that you use. Is your church, apartment complex or a store where you shop still using incandescent bulbs? Discuss the advantages of Energy Star bulbs with the management.