On July 14th, HelpLightNJ distributed energy saving light bulbs to 1,600 residents of Greenbriar at Whittingham. These close to 10,000 energy saving bulbs will save the residents over $640,000 in energy costs over their life! Monroe mayor Richard Pucci was on hand at the event. The distribution was a success thanks to Jim Penzias, who worked for several months with the HelpLightNJ team to collect the required documentation, and to spread the word.

Going Green: Free CFL Bulb Sampler for GW Residents
By Jim Pendas

In 2008, a group of New Jersey students from MaterDei High School set out to teach the world about energy conservation. They started raising funds to buy Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and distribute the bulbs to low-income families and seniors, saving them money on their electrical bill while conserving energy.

HelpLightNJ was born and has become part of the New Jersey Green Resource Team, which is funded by New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program. In turn, the Green New Jersey Resource Team gives groups across the state the resources to distribute ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, and to educate New Jersey residents on how to save energy and money, and help protect the environment with energy efficient lighting.

Each unit in GW will receive a free box of six CFL bulbs. Arrangements have been made for the high school students to make a presentation at the Residents Civics Club July 14 meeting. The schedule of distribution of the CFLs will be announced at that time.

HelpLightNJ has distributed CFL bulbs to residents of Rossmoor, Clearbrook and Greenbriar at Oceannaire. The students have distributed over 20,000 bulbs so far this year with a goal of distributing a total of 60,000, making a large impact on saving energy in New Jersey.

We can all do our part by using these CFLs to replace incandescent bulbs in our homes. Please consider replacing all the bulbs in your home, not just the six which will be provided by the students. Visit the online store at www.njcleanenergy.com to see the wide variety of bulbs available. These CFLs are offered at a reduced cost as part of the BPU rebate program.

Most of the funding for this program comes via the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The source of these funds is the “Societal Benefits Charge” shown on your utility bill. This money is used to fund some 14 BPU sponsored energy savings programs such as the Green New Jersey Resource Team.

Many schools have already taken action and joined HelpLight NJ’s cause. You can, too! Your participation can make a huge difference to communities all over the state. We have seen the results first hand. HelpLight NJ was founded by Matt Erickson, John Caddock, and Paula Pilipovic in 2007 at Mater Dei High School. Since then, 17 other schools have joined our cause. Together we have distributed over 82,000 Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. We plan on moving forward in our mission, fighting global warming, helping people in need, and promoting the benefits of energy conservation. It is truly amazing what the actions of just a few people can accomplish. As we continue to grow, the opportunities to point people towards making positive changes are endless!

Your school can be a part of this. If you are interested in joining us, read Paula Pilipovic’s invitation letter and then send an e-mail to Paula at: ppilipovic@helplightnj.com.

In the meantime, there are several sections of this website that can help you learn about who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish. Here are some good places to start:
Who Is HelpLight NJ?
What We Do
How Can You Help?
Schools Who’ve Already Joined Us!
Partners (The company’s and organizations that believe in our cause!)

In addition to that, you can see what we’ve already accomplished by taking a look at some of these:
Where We’ve Been (Map showing all our CFL distributions.)
Where We’ll Be (Calender showing upcoming and past events and distributions.)
Community Relationships (Photos and letters from our past events and distributions.)
Media (Newspaper articles, TV interviews, promotional videos, and more!)
Awards

Now we’d like to take this opportunity to share some letters we’ve received from some of our new member schools!

Dear All:

I would like to personally thank all of the schools that have already joined our cause. It is incredible to witness the extent of our success and the passion and dedication with which our new partners have entered into our  enterprise.

In lieu of this, I would like to extend our invitation and call to excellence further. For those schools that have yet to join, I encourage you to take the first step. It is amazing what individuals can accomplish with a common goal. Matt, John, and I were able to make a huge difference just by ourselves, saving residents almost 10 million dollars off their bills and cutting carbon gas emissions by 822 million pounds so far this year. We have seen the effects of our work first hand. We have heard the profuse gratitude and the thank you’s. We have heard the exclamations “Now I don’t have to use candles anymore!” If the three of us can make such a momentous contribution to reducing energy use in New Jersey, how much of a difference can every New Jersey student make?

The task is simple: contribute to your community. Don’t just take, give back as well. Whether you decide to join us, or start you own project, I implore you to take action. Make a contribution. Raise money. Donate items. Promote education. The world can become a better place, but it is up to us to make the change. The world has taken its turn, now it is your move. What can you accomplish?

Sincerely,
Paula Pilipovic
HelpLightNJ