Anne Purcaro (pictured here, right) first learned about Project Porchlight’s campaign to distribute millions of energy-efficient bulbs across New Jersey back in May, when a complimentary compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb was left on the doorknob of her home in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Intrigued, Anne sat down to read the information on the packaging of the CFL bulb—about the way that CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and the fact that CFL bulbs mean lower costs, reduced demand for electricity, and, ultimately, less pollution. Thrilled at the prospect of helping to protect the environment, she immediately contacted Project Porchlight to find out how she could volunteer.

The first thing Anne did was arrange for Project Porchlight Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Jill Zajac to speak with a senior citizens’ church group, the Saint Christopher Seniors, at the Parsippany Senior Center. Jill’s presentation taught the group about the energy savings offered by compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs as well as the energy efficiency programs that are available through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) [1].

Anne loved Jill’s presentation so much, she decided she wanted to do more. So she picked up 100 CFL bulbs from Project Porchlight and went to another senior citizens’ meeting. And then she got more CFL bulbs, and went to another. And another!

So far, Anne has distributed energy-saving CFL bulbs to the Parsippany Seniors, the Lake Hiawatha Seniors, and the Morristown Nutritional Group. She has also distributed CFL bulbs at the Parsippany Town Hall. “I have given out more than 300 CFL bulbs,” Anne says proudly. “I haven’t picked up any more because everybody is on vacation now. I’m waiting for summer to be over, and then I can start up again.”

After working for many years as an office manager in nearby Montville, New Jersey, Anne is now retired. She finds volunteering for Project Porchlight to be tremendously satisfying. “It is very rewarding just to be active—to do something,” she says. “With Project Porchlight, I’m being helpful to my community and to the environment.”

Project Porchlight is an initiative of One Change [2], and the campaign is made possible thanks to funding by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [3] and the NJCEP [4].

“I think Project Porchlight is a wonderful idea,” says Anne. “As I get older, I realize how things are now and what needs to change.”

When it comes to protecting our environment, simple actions really do matter! Even something as simple as changing a light bulb can make a difference. By connecting with state residents one at a time, Project Porchlight is empowering people of all backgrounds to make smart, energy-efficient choices that protect the environment.

“I think we all know we have to do something,” says Anne. “If it’s not choosing an energy-efficient light bulb, then maybe it’s recycling your cans and plastics and paper. The people I’m talking to are thrilled to learn more about Project Porchlight and CFL bulbs. They are absolutely thrilled.”