Project Porchlight Blog

As part of Project Porchlight New Jersey’s campaign to educate consumers across the state about energy efficiency, we reach out to folks at events ranging from county fairs and farmers’ markets to sporting events and educational seminars. Just about everybody shops at neighborhood grocery stores, and so on December 30, we brought our energy conservation message to the Pathmark store in Fairlawn, New Jersey.

Project Porchlight Inventory Control Manager and Program Assistant Kevin Thompson spent the day at Pathmark educating customers about energy efficiency and the energy savings offered by compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. A total of 250 CFL bulbs were distributed, 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 the community-based social marketing leaders 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).

“The day was very productive,” says Kevin. “A lot of people came by inquiring about Project Porchlight and our purpose, and I was able to give out brochures and explain exactly how we’re helping people conserve energy. The people I talked to were very receptive. They were very happy to receive the CFL bulb, and many of them also mentioned that they were trying to be green within their homes.”

One bulb recipient was so thrilled to learn about Project Porchlight’s campaign that she became an impromptu volunteer right there on the spot! “This one older woman actually went around the store talking to people and bringing them to the table,” says Kevin. “That was great!”

When it comes to protecting our environment, simple actions matter. Even something as simple as changing a light bulb can really make a difference. “A lot of people were asking how one light bulb could really change anything,” says Kevin. “After we talked for a minute or two, and they learned about the energy savings they would get by using CFL bulbs, they learned that simple actions really do matter.”

Project Porchlight empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. “There are so many people who don’t really know where to start,” says Kevin. “Just by giving them information about energy efficiency and CFL bulbs, we’re helping them get started. Then they start thinking about what else they can do, and next thing you know they’ll be doing something else that can help the environment.

“If each person in the state of New Jersey does their part, that becomes part of a bigger picture,” adds Kevin. “All together, we all can make a difference.”