“It’s the holiday giving season. At the same time, South Whidbey is in the midst of a wintertime electricity crunch. Strangely enough, these two facts of life go well together this winter because a group of energy-conscious South Whidbey people believe it ’tis the season to give the gift of efficiency. Specifically, the Bayview Community Alternative Power Project (CAPP) is asking islanders to donate compact fluorescent lightbulbs to Bayview Hall to help the facility become a model of energy efficiency.Laurie Keith, a member of CAPP, said all donors who give a $20 donation for a Bayview bulb will receive a bulb of their own to use at home. Compact fluorescent, she said, can dramatically cut energy use in the home since they are about 75 percent more efficient than an incandescent bulb. The compact fluorescent fits into standard light bulb sockets and can be used just like incandescent bulbs.Although the bulbs cost between $10 and $20, Keith said they are actually a great deal. Not only are they more efficient than regular bulbs, but they last 10 times longer. Between the longevity and efficiency of the bulbs, Keith said purchasers will get a 400 percent return on their investment.She added that a Bayview Hall fully lit with donated fluorescents could inspire everyone who used the hall to give the bulbs a try.The bulbs are part of the design of an energy-efficient Bayview Community Hall demonstration, but the greater goal is to decrease fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions islandwide, she said.To purchase a bulb for the hall and one for yourself, send $20 donations payable to Bayview Community Hall at P.O. Box 1066, Langley WA 98260. Note on the check that the donation is specifically for the purchase of light bulbs. Also include an address and phone number so CAPP can notify you when the bulbs are ready to pick up. They’ll be available before Christmas and will come with a gift card for those who wish to donate a bulb in someone else’s name and want a way to inform that person of the gift. For more information call Laurie Keith 221-4010. “