#USA #Earth Day #PSEG Long Island #Suffolk County

Earth Day Initiative: Free Trees for Suffolk Residents

As part of this year’s Earth Day celebrations, PSEG Long Island has collaborated with Suffolk County, alongside the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation, to offer a unique opportunity for local residents to receive free trees that can help reduce energy costs. This initiative aims to provide over 230 free trees to participants through the Energy-Saving Trees program. The initiative emphasizes the importance of planting the right trees in appropriate locations, which can not only help lower utility bills but also aid in maintaining the reliability of the power system.

The Benefits of Planting Trees

David Lyons, the interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, highlights that strategically planted trees can result in an energy bill reduction of up to 20% once they mature. This contributes to better air quality and decreases stormwater runoff, benefiting all Long Island and Rockaway residents. The event aligns perfectly with the spirit of Earth Day, a reminder that everyone plays a role in fostering a greener future.

The trees will be available for residents to reserve online starting April 14, allowing participants to pick them up on April 22 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. Residents must act promptly, as reserved trees will only be held until noon on the pick-up day.

Encouraging Community Participation

Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County executive, encourages community involvement, stating that every single tree planted can make a significant impact toward sustainability. This event not only provides the means for residents to improve their surroundings but also promotes the adoption of clean energy solutions and innovative methods to enhance air quality.

Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation, elaborates on the broader impacts of trees, noting that they beautify neighborhoods, lower energy consumption, filter out harmful pollutants, and create spaces for relaxation. The PSEG Foundation is proud to support the Energy-Saving Trees initiative, enabling residents to contribute to a healthier ecosystem in Long Island and the Rockaways.

How to Participate

The online platform for the Energy-Saving Trees program allows customers to estimate their potential annual savings from planting trees in optimal spots around their homes or businesses. The variety of trees available includes red maple, river birch, scarlet oak, dogwood, eastern red cedar, and virginia magnolia. Residents are encouraged to reserve their trees ahead of time, keeping in mind utility wires and other obstructions when choosing their planting locations.

Beyond the tree distribution, PSEG Long Island will offer additional resources concerning energy saving programs and financial assistance during the event. Participants will also receive reusable shopping bags and free LED light bulbs as part of their commitment to helping customers save money and energy while protecting the environment.

To further enhance their community support, PSEG Long Island plans to host a similar tree distribution event in Nassau County on April 26. Residents will also have the opportunity to reserve free trees online, further emphasizing the outreach of this green initiative. Additionally, in honor of Earth Day, they are providing clients with free Google Nest smart thermostats through their online market until April 29.

A Commitment to Community Welfare

PSEG Long Island is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, actively supporting various local charitable events year-round through its Community Partnership Program. To learn more about how PSEG Long Island contributes to community welfare, visit their website.

In summary, this Earth Day tree planting initiative exemplifies how community participation can lead to significant environmental benefits, cost savings, and improved quality of life for residents. By coming together, the residents of Suffolk can make a lasting impact on their environment and their energy bills.