608 households pledge to save with Putnam RISE

GREENCASTLE -- Six-hundred and eight households pledged to save energy and money at home during the first month of Putnam RISE.

These residents made their commitments through an energy savings pledge that enables households to choose from a list of conservation measures related to heating and cooling, water heating, appliances, lighting and electronics.

Much of the pledging activity is driven by a continuing competition among county school corporations to secure the greatest rate of Energy Savings Pledges per student from their communities by Dec. 1.

Inspired by some of its youngest community members, North Putnam leads the competition with 372 pledges, 198 of which came from Bainbridge Elementary School student households.

"I am a firm believer that we can make this generation more aware and show them that even small changes can make a huge difference. They amaze me every day at what they think of and care about so I know they will have an impact," said Vicki Sanders, Bainbridge Elementary School teacher.

While the energy savings pledge competition runs through Dec. 1, Putnam County's sixteen schools are also now competing through the end of April to conserve energy in their school facilities.

This competition is made possible by grants from the Putnam County Community Foundation and Vectren Foundation, Putnam RISE is a 2011 partnership promoting energy savings and investments in homes, schools and businesses throughout the county.