Project Porchlight Blog

When Project Porchlight started its campaign to distribute energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to residents across the state in the fall of 2008, we held our first Bulb Blitz in Caldwell, New Jersey, where we joined forces with the Caldwell Environmental Commission (CEC). On October 24, we teamed up once again with the CEC for their annual Green Fair. The event, held at Caldwell College in Caldwell, was co-sponsored by the Roseland Environmental Commission and featured green, sustainable and healthy vendors, speakers and presentations, a silent auction, raffles and fun activities for the whole family.

“Project Porchlight distributed CFL bulbs to everyone who came, so that was terrific,” says CEC Chairperson Ann Marchioni. “Because we were the first town in New Jersey to do a campaign with Project Porchlight last October, this was a reunion of sorts. Caldwell is trying to become a Sustainable Jersey city, and Project Porchlight is helping us to do that.”

A total of 400 CFL bulbs were distributed at the Green Fair, part of Project Porchlight New Jersey’s campaign to distribute energy-efficient light bulbs to residents across the state. Project Porchlight is an initiative of One Change, and the campaign is made possible thanks to funding by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP).

Ann was thrilled to have Project Porchlight distributing CFL bulbs in Caldwell again. “I think Project Porchlight is wonderful because it gives people an incentive,” she says. “Using CFL bulbs does save money and it saves energy over the year. As people continue to replace regular bulbs with the new bulbs, that is going to save energy not only for one year, but for many years because they last a long time. I think Project Porchlight is an affirmation of why it’s important to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Project Porchlight empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. “Conserving energy is an essential step in reducing our carbon footprint,” says Ann. “The current Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen demonstrates that the entire world sees the necessity for changes to reduce our carbon emissions. We need begin to become responsible for our actions with regard to the changes that are the result of human actions.”

These actions don’t need to be complicated or expensive. When it comes to protecting our environment, simple actions matter. Even something as simple as changing a light bulb is important. “With energy savings and economic savings, people might begin to think of other ways to reduce their energy usage,” says Ann. “Simple actions do matter, and from that, many changes are possible.”