The Morristown Neighborhood House (MNH) [1] was founded in 1898 as a settlement house that helped Italian immigrants become acclimated to life in Morristown, New Jersey. More than a century later, MNH continues to provide invaluable services to immigrants in the Morristown area. On August 7, MNH presented its 8th annual Community Day Festival, which brings together Latino, African-American, and other African-based cultures.

This year’s event featured live music, activities for children, along with dance and poetry performances. Project Porchlight was also on hand to educate folks 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) [2].

A total of 251 CFL bulbs were distributed at the festival, 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 [3], and the campaign is made possible thanks to funding by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [4] and the NJCEP [5].

Caring for the environment is a priority at MNH, so Assistant Executive Director Steven Neblett was thrilled to have Project Porchlight join the festival. “Neighborhood House is very concerned about our own carbon footprint,” he says. “Having Project Porchlight here helped to reinforce all that we try to teach in terms of really trying to get the whole community involved in being more conscious about the environment.”

CFL bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. Choosing CFL bulbs means lower costs, reduced demand for electricity, and, ultimately, less pollution. “Project Porchlight is giving people something concrete,” says Steven. “People can actually see that these CFL bulbs really do work. I use one myself, and I’m amazed at how long it lasts.”

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.

“Project Porchlight is a great operation because it really is very much about the entire community,” says Steven. “Sometimes people in some communities and neighborhoods feel isolated, and they do feel that this environmental issue is not for them--that it’s for someone in higher income brackets.

“But what we see here at Neighborhood House every day with the children that we work with and their families is this: Each one can become empowered. We empower individuals and the community to make a difference. That’s really the essence of what our Community Day Festival is all about: Empowering people and bringing people together. ”