Staff Writer

Sarah LaChance is organizing a community party Saturday, and it’s not just an impromptu gathering or something “just because.” It’s a party with a purpose — and that purpose is for the planet. 

Campaign Earth, a non-profit organization created by LaChance, is hosting “Party for the Planet” as it’s first foray into the community. 

LaChance, a Cape Porpoise resident, founded Campaign Earth in 2001 as an online community forum in an effort to learn more about climate change and other environmental concerns. The party marks the organization’s first event in the community, and LaChance said it is just the first small step before branching out to other areas. 

“There wasn’t a lot of accessibility to information for the everyday American,” LaChance said. 

At the heart of her organization, is a monthly challenge for nearly 6,000 members of the Web site. Each challenge asks members to make a small change to their daily habits — changing regular light bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs, using only cold water in the washing machine or ensuring tires are properly inflated. 

“Even the baby steps are just as important,” LaChance said. “It’s as simple as a small step.”

LaChance’s neighbor Dave Jordan noticed the difference small changes can make. Since he moved into his Cape Porpoise home five years ago, he has kept track of his power consumption in an effort to use less.

Jordan said he invested in a kilowatt meter to measure the amount of power each device in the house uses, and he researched the remaining items he couldn’t measure with the meter. Through the data he collected, Jordan said lights used the most amount of electricity, and through changing out the majority of light bulbs (some fixtures and dimmer lights cannot accommodate compact florescent light bulbs) he reduced the overall power consumption by 15 percent.

“We saved about $435 for the year in our electric bill,” Jordan said. “That can buy you a lot of compact florescent light bulbs, and they definitely will pay for themselves.”

In the press release announcing the party, LaChance noted a recent study by the University of Maine and the National Resources Council of Maine named Kennebunkport as one of the 20 towns in Maine most threatened by effects of global warming like heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and sea-level rise. 

In addition to minimizing the impact of global warming, LaChance said properly insulated, energy-efficient homes are more comfortable to live in, and savings of 20 to 30 percent on energy bills are possible. 

“I believe the climate is the most important issue. This new administration is aware and acknowledging it. I want to build on that momentum,” LaChance said. “I think down the road people will recognize this is the way to go.”

Saturday’s party will introduce the community to Campaign Earth, offering educational material about energy efficiency and climate change. Jordan will also present his findings since changes were made to his home and how the changes reduce the amount of energy used. 

“Party for the Planet” is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at Atlantic Hall in Cape Porpoise. Appetizers and desserts will be provided, along with entertainment from local classic rock band “Lower Village People.” 

Tickets can be purchased in advance for a $15 donation, which will fund efforts of Campaign Earth to educate people about climate change. Call LaChance at 459-0419 for more information.