Independent (Hazlet, NJ): Project Porchlight will distribute energy-saving light bulbs

Posted June 17, 2010 by OneChange

Volunteers from Project Porchlight, an initiative of not-for-profit One Change, and the Hazlet Environmental Commission will be distributing free 13-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) to Hazlet residents on Saturday, June 19.

“We’re trying to let people know that simple actions matter and the act of changing just one light bulb can lead to bigger and better things when it comes to energy efficiency and conservation in the community,” said Vicky Allen, volunteer and outreach coordinator for Project Porchlight.

According to the Project Porchlight website, “If every household in the United States replaced one old light bulb with a CFL, it would be like taking 800,000 cars off the roads.”

Project Porchlight informs residents that the 13-watt CFL bulbs they distribute are equivalent in brightness to a 60-watt incandescent, but use 75 to 80 percent less energy.

Incandescent bulbs, the website explains, waste 95 percent of the electricity that they consume as heat.

In addition to replacing one light bulb, Allen said the interaction and community involvement help to foster energy responsibility.

“It is a great way for the community to get on board with their residents when it comes to being more energy efficient,” she said.

“It’s not enough for a municipality to just pass a resolution, you have to work hand in hand with your residents to get them on board in order for it to work.

“We find that the message is better delivered when it’s your own community going back into the community and letting people know about energy conservation.”

According to the website, Project Porchlight has handed out over 3 million energy-saving bulbs

Allen said Project Porchlight has completed similar campaigns with great success in Aberdeen, West Long Branch, Tinton Falls and other towns.

The program is funded by New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program and the Board of Public Utilities.

“It’s going to be a fun day and we look forward to getting a good volunteer response from Hazlet. We’re always pleasantly surprised with the turnout,” Allen said.M

ore information on Project Porchlight and CFL bulbs can be found at www.projectporchlight.com.