One Change’s [1] Project Porchlight campaign to spread energy saving messages to households across the state of New Jersey has been tremendously successful.

How successful? Well, let’s look at the numbers.

During Phase II of the campaign, which took place between April 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, One Change attended 312 events ranging from county fairs and farmers’ markets to sporting events and educational seminars enabling One Change to reach folks from all walks of life with their energy conservation messages. In addition, One Change also organized Bulb Blitzes in 24 communities. Between door-to-door deliveries and events, a total of 712,000 free energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs were distributed.

And there’s more good news: During the month of December 2009, the Project Porchlight campaign staff and volunteers managed to reach an additional 99,898 households by delivering energy saving CFL bulbs. That all adds up for a grand total of 811,898 CFL bulbs delivered to state residents!

So far Project Porchlight in New Jersey has saved residents:

• 78 million dollars in savings on electricity bills
• 454 million kWh of energy saved
• 295 million pounds of CO2 emissions avoided
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 25,000 cars off the road

Project Porchlight empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. “Recipients repeatedly welcomed the CFL bulbs and committed to changing their incandescent bulbs as their first step to becoming more environmentally responsible,” says Campaign Manager Sheila Foreman.

The campaign is made possible thanks to funding by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [2] and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) [3].

“Phase II of Project Porchlight in New Jersey has been a tremendous success,” says One Change Director of Communications Gail Logan. “It is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when government, communities, and individuals come together and commit to one simple act for the environment. We look forward to continuing the project in spring of 2010.”

When it comes to protecting our environment, simple actions matter. Even something as simple as changing a light bulb can really make a difference. “Project Porchlight volunteer opportunities in communities throughout New Jersey rallied groups, families, and children of various backgrounds to educate their neighbors about how their simple actions matter in saving our planet,” says Sheila. “Many volunteers can't wait for Project Porchlight to come back to their community.”

Get ready, New Jersey. We can’t wait, too!