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Rep. Pastor to host 'Go Green and Save' event on Oct. 24

Weatherization programs may help families save on home energy costs.

U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz.

U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., will mark October, which is National Energy Awareness Month, with a green education event for Valley residents to offer information on home weatherization programs, simple tips on going green and saving money and numerous workshops and resources.

Pastor's "Go Green and $ave" day of events featuring Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Public School Phoenix, 735 E. Fillmore St., Phoenix. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will focus on weatherization programs, as the federal stimulus program has provided an increase in funds for qualifying eligible families, Pastor said. The City of Phoenix, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Southwest Gas Corp., will be providing information and workshops throughout the day to encourage eligible families to sign up for weatherization programs and reduce energy costs at home. Households can sometimes save hundreds of dollars annually when building components are replaced to reduce energy consumption.

The event also will  feature simple, frugal  tips for residents to "go green" at home and save money, recycling and pollution reduction ideas, ways to help neighborhoods go green, plus financial education, health and wellness resources, and workshops throughout the day.

Green kits will be distributed to the first 500 people.

Pastor's green event is being held in collaboration with Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Southwest Gas Corp., the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the ASU School of Sustainability, Farmer's Market, Southwest Green, Keep Phoenix Clean & Beautiful and many additional organizations.

"Going 'green' saves money and improves your quality of life," Pastor said. "I want residents to see how they can put 'green' concepts to work at home in useful, inexpensive ways that are easy to learn and incorporate. It's not hard to take steps to help save our planet and protect our future. And the organizations participating in the event are the experts that will help provide resources for residents."