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When most people think about participating in Earth Day images of tree planting and garbage clean-ups may come to mind. According to the non-profit organization One Change some of the biggest things you can do for the environment start with your home and vehicle. Spring is the perfect season to take action to help save yourself some money and protect the environment.

A good place to start is by changing your old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs to energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). CFL bulbs have evolved a lot over the past few years and use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs which means significant money and greenhouse gas savings in the long run. In fact, a CFL saves 2000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases over its lifespan!

A leaky toilet can waste up to 550 litres of water a day. That amounts to over 200,000L a year which is equivalent to 1,000 bathtubs full of water! The culprit is usually an old worn-out flapper that only costs a few dollars to fix. Definitely worth it considering that a leaky toilet can cost you up to $250 a year on your utility bill.

This spring and summer Canadians will travel across the country with their families. Before setting out on a trip don’t forget to check your tire pressure. Tires naturally lose air pressure over time–as much as 2 pounds of pressure per month. Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure on a regular basis and making sure they are inflated to the correct level can improve your fuel efficiency by 4%. That will save you up to 2 weeks’ worth of fuel each year, and reduce the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions coming out of your tailpipe.

When millions of people take a simple action to improve the Earth, we get a very large solution. For more simple actions that you can take to help the planet and your wallet this Earth Day, please visit our website at www.onechange.org.

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Corrie Rabbe, Communications Coordinator
One Change – Simple actions matter™
E-mail: Corrie(at)www.onechange.org Telephone: 1.866.585.2332 x218

About One Change

Our Mission: One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment.

With headquarters in Ottawa, the award-winning non-profit organization has campaign offices in locations throughout Canada and the United States.

One Change delivers innovative community-based social marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviours, including its flagship energy efficiency campaign, Project Porchlight, which has engaged and trained 12,000 volunteers in over 900 communities to deliver more than 3 million free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to residents across North America. But One Change is about more than light bulbs. Over the summer One Change launched an innovative pilot campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

One Change does this through door-to-door deliveries, community events, retail partnerships, educational web sites (www.onechange.org and projectporchlight.com), a number of web 2.0 portals, media outreach activities, hands-on engagement pieces, celebrity endorsements and other creative tactics that reach the public and mobilize people for positive change.

More information on One Change can be found at www.onechange.org

• View media release as a PDF.

Please, go easy on Martin Brodeur. The star goalie has taken a lot of criticism for his performance on the ice in Vancouver, but he shines in a new TV commercial about energy efficient lighting.

Brodeur recently joined with Ottawa-based charity One Change to promote the message that simple actions matter when it comes to protecting the environment and saving money. One Change makes energy conservation relevant, personal, and accessible with action-oriented campaigns such as the award-winning Project Porchlight. Brodeur’s appearance in a One Change ad is part of a New Jersey Porchlight campaign that will reach one million homes with volunteers going door to door with free CFL bulbs.

“Martin Brodeur is a star and a role model, and his endorsement of One Change reinforces our firm view that everyone has a part to play in protecting the environment. When people realize that simple actions like checking tire pressure regularly or changing light bulbs can save them money and protect the environment, they go on to do more. What we do is get people started,” said Stuart Hickox, Founder of One Change.

The TV commercial was shot at the Richard A. Codney Arena located in West Orange, New Jersey where Brodeur lives. And one dozen lucky New Jersey boys and girls from local hockey teams took to the ice along with Brodeur to assist One Change in making the commercial.

“It was very rewarding to see the smiles and excitement of the young hockey players and fans of Marty Brodeur,” says Corrie Rabbe, One Change’s Communications Coordinator. “The kids will remember this day for the rest of their lives,” she added.

One Change is currently running a contest to win a signed Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils hockey jersey. To enter and see the commercial, please visit our website at: www.onechange.org

For further information, please contact:
Corrie Rabbe, Communications Coordinator
One Change – Simple actions matter.™
Tel: 1-866-585-6359 x218
Email: [email protected] Website: www.onechange.org

Interview opportunities:

Broadcast-quality video PSA and photos of Martin Brodeur at the commercial taping are available upon request. Interviews with One Change Executive Director Stuart Hickox can also be arranged.

About One Change

Our Mission: One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment.

With headquarters in Ottawa, the award-winning non-profit organization has campaign offices in locations throughout Canada and the United States.

One Change delivers innovative community-based social marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviours, including its flagship energy efficiency campaign, Project Porchlight, which has engaged and trained 12,000 volunteers in over 900 communities to deliver more than 3 million free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to residents across North America. But One Change is about more than light bulbs. Over the summer One Change launched an innovative pilot campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

One Change does this through door-to-door deliveries, community events, retail partnerships, educational web sites (www.onechange.org and projectporchlight.com), a number of web 2.0 portals, media outreach activities, hands-on engagement pieces, celebrity endorsements and other creative tactics that reach the public and mobilize people for positive change.

Martin Brodeur joins other notable Canadians and Americans including astronaut and “passionate Earthling” Dr. Roberta Bondar and actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. in promoting One Change.

• View media release as a PDF.

Non-profit and Hollywood eco-icon starting 15-month relationship. One Change, the parent organization of Project Porchlight, a New Jersey campaign that distributes compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, recently kicked off a relationship with its new spokesperson, Hollywood-actor-turned-green-icon, Ed Begley Jr.

Sponsored by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, Project Porchlight is an award-winning program that engages volunteers in their own communities and encourages them to go door-to-door and share information with neighbors and friends on how to take simple actions that will save money, save energy and protect the environment.

“With Ed Begley Jr. involved, we fully anticipate the goals of One Change and Project Porchlight will be met,” says Founder and President of One Change, Stuart Hickox. “News of Ed’s participation has sparked excitement and requests from community leaders to bring events to more organizations, schools and parks. We’re very committed and excited to empower the people of New Jersey to take simple actions that will make a big impact,” he adds. Hickox started Project Porchlight in Canada just five years ago and campaigns have been active in New Jersey and Washington states this year.

On November 23, Begley recorded a series of television and radio PSAs for the organization that are scheduled to begin appearing around the New Jersey region early next year. Later that evening, the renowned actor and environmentalist joined local and state dignitaries at a gala Volunteer Appreciation Reception at The Newark Museum in Newark, N.J. The event honored six stellar New Jersey volunteers for their outstanding contributions towards improving energy efficiency and raising awareness about climate change, and Begley was present to share his congratulations.

“Project Porchlight is the kind of grass-roots, proactive organization that shows individuals how they can make a difference on the planet and in their pocketbook,” said Begley. “I look forward to helping spread the word throughout North America,” Begley added.

Now in its second year, Project Porchlight has worked with more than 2,700 volunteers and has delivered more than 1,000,000 CFL bulbs in cities and towns throughout the state of New Jersey.

This official endorsement ended Dec.31, 2010

About One Change

Our Mission:
One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment.

We are a not-for-profit and non-partisan organization that makes global environmental issues—like climate change—relevant and accessible to individuals. And we are a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Partner.

We deliver innovative and award-winning, community-based social marketing campaigns that distribute the tools and information necessary to convert environmental awareness into meaningful action. The tools we promote include: energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, fuel-saving digital tire gauges and seasonal holiday LED lighting. One Change also has a number of creative new campaigns currently in development.

We do this through door-to-door deliveries, community events, retail partnerships, our educational web sites (www.onechange.org and www.porchlight.org), a number of web 2.0 portals, media outreach activities, hands-on engagement pieces, celebrity endorsements and other creative tactics that reach the public and mobilize people for positive change.

We produce proven positive results, including:
• Helping people from all walks of life adopt behaviors that decrease their consumption of resources (energy, fuel, water), save money and cut greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and other forms of waste;
• Providing individuals and community groups with opportunities to volunteer in a hands-on and impactful manner;
• Generating green jobs and opportunities for employees to develop new skill sets;
• Stimulating the economies where we operate; and,
• Uniting diverse groups and individuals under a common goal – to protect the environment.

We believe:
• Everyone can be a catalyst for change;
• Change is within reach;
• One change leads to others; and,

For more information, please visit www.onechange.org.

• View media release as a PDF.

….Six stellar individuals honoured for their contributions towards energy efficiency and climate change…..

Six New Jersey residents were the star attractions at a gala Volunteer Appreciation Reception hosted by One Change and Project Porchlight at The Newark Museum tonight. On hand to congratulate their outstanding contributions towards improving energy efficiency and climate change was Ed Begley, Jr.– renowned actor and environmentalist.

“Project Porchlight would not be possible without the direct participation of real people in their own communities,” said Begley. “Each of you has demonstrated tremendous commitment to your communities, your neighbors and friends. By helping your neighbors to believe that ‘simple actions matter’, you have been a catalyst for real change,” he added.

In addition to volunteers and supporters of Project Porchlight in New Jersey, local and state dignitaries were also on hand to acknowledge the tireless efforts of six special people (see attachment) who received Appreciation Awards from the Founder& President of One Change – Stuart Hickox and Project Porchlight Campaign Manager – Sheila Foreman.

“It’s was a real honor for me to be able to shake the hands of these wonderful volunteers tonight and thank them for their dedication and enthusiasm, Hickox stated. “One Change harnesses the power of person-to-person communication. Most people want to receive information from people they know, like and trust – your friends and neighbors, going door-to-door as volunteers in their own neighborhoods is why this program and approach is such a tremendous success,” Hickox explained.

Project Porchlight in New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program. Now in its 2nd year, Porchlight has worked with over 2700 volunteers and delivered over 800,000 CFL bulbs in cities and towns throughout the state.

For more information, please contact:
Gail Logan, Director – Communications
Toll Free: 1-855-585-6359 Cell: 1-613-898-5892
Email: [email protected] Website: www.onechange.org

About One Change

One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment.

We are a grass roots, not-for-profit and non-partisan organization that makes global environmental issues—like climate change—relevant and accessible to individuals. And we are a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Partner.

We deliver innovative and award-winning, community-based social marketing campaigns that distribute the tools and information necessary to convert environmental awareness into meaningful action. The tools we promote include: energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, fuel-saving digital tire gauges, and seasonal holiday LED lighting, plus a number of creative new campaigns currently in development.

We do this through door-to-door deliveries, community events, retail partnerships, our educational web sites (www.onechange.org and www.porchlight.com), a number of web 2.0 portals, media outreach activities, hands-on engagement pieces, celebrity endorsements and other creative tactics that reach the public and mobilize people for positive change.

We produce proven positive results, including:

• Helping people from all walks of life adopt behaviours that decrease their consumption of resources (energy, fuel, water), save money and cut greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and other forms of waste;
• Providing individuals and community groups with opportunities to volunteer in a hands-on and impactful manner;
• Generating green jobs and opportunities for employees to develop new skill sets;
• Stimulating the economies where we operate; and,
• Uniting diverse groups and individuals under a common goal – to protect the environment.

We believe:

• Everyone can be a catalyst for change;
• Change is within reach;
• One change leads to others; and,
• Simple actions matter.

For more information, please visit: www.onechange.org

• View the six volunteer appreciation award recipients
• View media release as a PDF.

Ottawa is the first planned United Nations international “Seal the Deal!” event in Canada. Ottawa residents are invited to gather in the Eaton Court at the Rideau Centre tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9th between 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to sign a banner calling on governments to find an effective solution to the issue of climate change at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change conference, to be held in Copenhagen from December 7 to 18, 2009.

To explain the importance of sealing the deal, a news conference featuring Amy Fraenkel, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA), Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut and environmentalist, and Stuart Hickox, Founder and Executive Director of the non‐profit organization One Change, will also be held in the Eaton Court between 12:20‐12:40 pm.

The banner signing is part of the United Nations’ global campaign, called “Seal the Deal!” which aims to encourage governments to achieve a fair, balanced and effective climate agreement when they meet in Copenhagen. The United Nations Environment Programme is gathering signatures around the world on a number of large banners that will then be stitched together and hung at the conference. Tomorrow’s event is the first planned “Seal the Deal!” event in Canada.

“Our hope is that the thousands of signatures we collect in Ottawa and around the world, as well as those we’ve already collected online, will help prompt governments to achieve a strong agreement in Copenhagen that will power green growth, protect our planet and build a more sustainable, prosperous global economy that will benefit all nations and people,” said Amy Fraenkel.

Tomorrow’s event is being co‐hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme and One Change, the Ottawa‐based environmental organization responsible for the successful Canada‐wide campaign Project Porchlight as well as the One Change: Fuel pilot campaign.

“One Change is very pleased to partner with UNEP for the “Seal the Deal!” event,” said Stuart Hickox. “As demonstrated by our awareness campaigns, we firmly believe that real change can happen through simple actions, like the simple act of signing this declaration of support,” he added.

For more information, please contact:
Annie Boucher, Media Consultant to One Change
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 613.863‐3702

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme, established in 1972, is the authority on the environment in the UN system, providing a forum for governments to make and enforce rules to protect the world’s natural resources. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

UNEP’s work includes:

• Assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends.
• Developing international and national environmental agreements and legal instruments.
• Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment.
• Integrating economic development and environmental protection.
• Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development.
• Encouraging new partnerships and approaches within civil society and the private sector.

The Regional Office for North America (RONA), located in Washington, D.C., is one of six regional offices for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). RONA’s mission is to foster cooperation on environmental issues in North America, thereby promoting effective responses to global environmental challenges. RONA’s strategy to achieve these goals includes promoting collaboration between UNEP and various sectors of North American society, facilitating the participation of the region in UNEP‐sponsored global events and activities, developing environmental education initiatives, and organizing environmental awareness‐raising campaigns.

About One Change
Our Mission: One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment.

With headquarters in Ottawa, the award‐winning environmental non‐profit organization has campaign offices in locations throughout Canada and the United States.

One Change delivers innovative community‐based social marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging people to adopt environmentally‐friendly behaviours, including its flagship energy efficiency campaign ‐ Project Porchlight. Almost 3 million free compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs have been delivered by 11,500 volunteers to residents in over 900 cities and towns across North America.

With successful campaigns completed in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Vermont, Project Porchlight is shifting its focus to New Jersey—where a 1 million bulb campaign is in full swing—and to Washington State—where a collaborative new campaign has taken off this summer.

But One Change is about more than light bulbs. One Change recently launched an innovative new pilot campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The One Change: Fuel pilot campaign kicked off at SuperEX on August 20th and runs until the end of September. Ottawa residents can attend one of nine free Tire Pressure Clinics at participating Canadian Tire stores. Visit: www.onechange.org/fuel for event dates and information.

View media release as a PDF.

Puget Sound Energy and Project Porchlight seek volunteers to help deliver 275,000 free CFL bulbs to PSE’s residential electric customers to help save energy and the environment

July 6, 2009 – This summer and fall, Puget Sound Energy and Project Porchlight volunteers will deliver 275,000 free ENERGY STAR®-qualified, energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to PSE residential electric customers, door to door and at community events in PSE’s service area.

“Simple actions matter” is one of the core messages of the PSE and Project Porchlight campaign, a grassroots initiative designed to mobilize and empower people of all walks of life to take advantage of the many benefits of switching to energy-efficient CFL bulbs. The two organizations are partnering to extend that message throughout the Puget Sound region.

“Mobilizing communities is key to reducing energy use in PSE’s service area,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE. “Customers in the Lake Hills neighborhood of Bellevue were thrilled with PSE’s door-to-door volunteer program earlier this year, and we want all our electric customers to know they can individually make a difference in our region and encourage them to spread the word to friends, family and neighbors. By getting communities involved, we all save energy, save money and protect the environment.”

Since PSE began its energy efficient lighting program in 2002, the utility has distributed more than 10 million CFL bulbs within its electric service area, an average of 10 CFL bulbs per household.

CFL bulbs use 75 percent less electricity than old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Every light bulb changed will save $43 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. In PSE’s service area, the 275,000 bulbs to be distributed by Project Porchlight translate to overall savings of almost $12 million in customer energy costs, and a reduction of almost 70 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Project Porchlight empowers residents to make simple choices like changing a light bulb that will save them money and help protect the environment,” said Stuart Hickox, executive director of Project Porchlight. “Above all, our message is a call to action for Puget Sound area residents to get involved in energy conservation and to make a real difference in their community.”

In addition to the community CFL bulb deliveries, PSE and Project Porchlight are working together to encourage PSE residential electric customers to participate in the upcoming PSE Rock the Bulb summer and fall campaign, which will provide them with additional tools and incentives to become more energy-efficient at 16 weekend events at local hardware stores throughout PSE’s electric service area.

During the summer campaign, PSE residential electric customers will be able to exchange up to 10 incandescent light bulbs for 10 free CFL bulbs at the local retail events. Residents who participate in the campaign’s energy efficiency contest will also be eligible for a opportunity to win part of $45,000 total in prizes, awarded as Lowe’s and Ace Hardware gift cards for more energy efficiency home upgrades and provided by PSE’s partner Feit Electric. More details are available at: PSE.com and rockthebulb.pse.com.

In the month of July, Project Porchlight volunteers will participate in community events and go door-to-door in 24 communities, including Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland and Issaquah. August events will include Silverdale, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Anacortes and Oak Harbor. September events include Mt. Vernon, Bellingham and Federal Way. The season will wrap up with October events in Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, Lacey and Olympia.

Door-to-door porch light exchange events are also being planned for Port Townsend, Redmond, Bothell, Ferndale, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, and Burlington.

Interested volunteers for the door-to-door campaign can stop by sign up recruitment booths at community events (visit projectporchlight.org/events for dates) or sign-up online at: porchlight.org or call 1-888-362-0363 for more information.

CFL bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury, so they should not be put in the garbage. There are many locations around the Puget Sound region that accept bulbs for recycling for free, including select PSE offices. For more information on CFL bulb recycling, visit PSE.com or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, contact:

Rebekah Anderson
Puget Sound Energy
1-888-831-7250
[email protected]

Michael Thomas – Campaign Manager
Project Porchlight, Puget Sound
Phone: 425.213.5634 or 425.319.8860 (mobile)
Email: [email protected]

About Puget Sound Energy

Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and nearly 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its growing customer base through incremental, cost-effective energy conservation, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit PSE.com.

About Project Porchlight

Project Porchlight is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit campaign with offices across North America. The campaign’s goal is to empower people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. We aim to do this by bringing together business, community groups, and volunteers to deliver one free energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb to households across Canada and the U.S.

• View this release as a PDF.

June 5, 2009, Ottawa—One Change Founder and Executive Director Stuart Hickox will speak at Parliament Hill today in recognition of the CycloNomade—a man dedicated to changing the world one pedal stroke at a time.

Quebec high school teacher Benoit Tousignant has been biking for as long as anyone can remember. In April 2008, he set out on another one of his bike rides—nothing unusual for him. But that bike ride lasted 18 months and took him across four continents. Benoit—also known as the CycloNomade—embarked on the nearly 40,000 km solo trip to promote environmental awareness among youth. Along the way, he stopped at dozens of schools to spread the word to students that simple actions matter and that they can make smart choices to protect the environment.

Today—more than 400 days since his departure—Benoit will be welcomed home at a special reception on Parliament Hill. The event will be attended by 300 students from École secondaire Soulanges and École secondaire du Chêne-Bleu, as well as Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Meili Faille, ambassadors from many of the 27 countries Benoit cycled through, and other dignitaries.

“I’m honoured that One Change was invited to speak at this event,” says Stuart. “Mr. Tousignant’s accomplishment is very much in line with what we at One Change believe—that individual choices and simple actions matter. The CycloNomade has proven that something as simple as riding a bike can empower people across the globe to believe they can make a difference and to take action to protect the environment.”

That proof came in the form of 14,000 letters from students around the world who were inspired to take action after hearing the CycloNomade speak. They wrote to Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressing their concerns about local and international environmental issues. The students outlined steps they hope to see the federal government take, and listed simple actions they themselves have taken—smart choices like biking to school and turning the tap off while brushing their teeth.

“It’s inspiring to see thousands of students changing their actions and going green as a result of one man,” says Stuart. “By travelling across so many borders, Mr. Tousignant has united multinational youth in the common goal of protecting the environment.”

“Monsieur Tousignant a démontré que chacun et chacune d’entre nous peut faire une différence, et être une lumière dans notre propre communauté,” Stuart continues in French. “Son voyage autour du monde est une inspiration non seulement à cause de la distance incroyable, mais parce qu’il a inspiré des gens de partout à croire que les simples gestes font une différence.”

Now, more than 10 million pedal strokes later, the CycloNomade can enjoy a well-deserved rest. His journey will be recognized today from 12:30pm until 2:00pm on Parliament Hill in 253-D Centre Block. But his message will be honoured indefinitely around the world.

Simple actions matter. Les simples gestes font la différence.

-30-

About One Change

One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. One Change donne aux gens le pouvoir de croire que les simples gestes font une différence et de faire des choix qui protègent l’environnement.

With headquarters in Ottawa, the award-winning environmental non-profit organization has campaign offices across North America.

One Change delivers innovative community-based social marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviours, including their flagship energy efficiency campaign, Project Porchlight, which has delivered more than 2 million free energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to residents across North America.

With successful campaigns recently completed in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Vermont, Project Porchlight is shifting its focus to New Jersey—where a 1 million bulb campaign is in full swing—and to Washington State—where a collaborative new campaign is poised to take off this summer.

But One Change is about more than light bulbs. They are excited to launch an innovative new campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The One Change: Fuel pilot campaign will kick off in Ottawa South this summer, the very same place where Project Porchlight began five years ago—with great success.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Manon Crôteau
Communications Manager, One Change
1-866-585-6359 x218
[email protected]

Simple actions matter.
www.onechange.org

• View media release as a PDF.

One of Canada’s leading grassroots environmental organizations, One Change, was recognized as 2009 ENERGY STAR Advocate of the Year by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at the annual ENERGY STAR Recognition Awards ceremony. The May 25 event took place at Ottawa’s historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, and brought together many of the more than 800 manufacturers, utilities, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across Canada that work to promote energy efficiency and the ENERGY STAR brand.

When Stuart Hickox founded One Change-the non-profit organization behind innovative campaigns like Project Porchlight-he had a vision: to empower people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. As One Change Executive Director, Stuart knew he had a responsibility of his own to make smart choices. When the time came to choose which compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to distribute for the organization’s flagship campaign, Project Porchlight, the choice was clear: ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL bulbs.

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol of premium energy efficiency. In Canada, its use is monitored by NRCan’s Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). Products that display the ENERGY STAR symbol have been tested and found to meet high levels of energy efficiency and quality without compromising performance.

“ENERGY STAR is an important partner for us as we assert the value and importance of simple actions like changing light bulbs and replacing outdated appliances,” says Stuart. “By distributing only ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL bulbs for all our Project Porchlight campaigns, we can ensure that we’re offering high-quality products containing very little mercury.”

Stuart and members of the One Change Board of Directors accepted the award on behalf of the One Change family. “We are proud to be recognized as advocates,” says Stuart. “Our goal is to reach and empower not only people who are seeking energy efficient products and services, but those who know they should but don’t know where to start.”

This year’s award marks the second time One Change has been honoured by ENERGY STAR. In 2006, the organization was named ENERGY STAR Recruit of the Year. Since then, Project Porchlight has distributed ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL bulbs across Canada and the United States, helping residents reduce their energy use by 1 billion kilowatt hours, save more than $86 million, and stop 630,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the air.

Talk about a smart choice! One change really can make a difference.

Simple actions matter.

For more information about this story, please visit:

http://www.projectporchlight.com/press/clipping/natural-resources-canda-energy-star-recognition-awards-adovate-year-one-change



About One Change

One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment. With headquarters in Ottawa, the award-winning environmental non-profit organization has campaign offices across North America.

One Change delivers innovative community-based social marketing campaigns aimed at encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviours, including their flagship energy efficiency campaign, Project Porchlight, which has delivered more than 2 million free energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to residents across North America.

With successful campaigns recently completed in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Vermont, Project Porchlight is shifting its focus to New Jersey-where a 1 million bulb campaign is in full swing-and to Washington State-where a collaborative new campaign is poised to take off this summer.

But One Change is about more than light bulbs. They are excited to launch an innovative new campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The One Change: Fuel pilot campaign will kick off in Ottawa South this summer, the very same place where Project Porchlight began five years ago-with great success.

• View release as a PDF.

Founding partners Hydro Ottawa and City of Ottawa also mentioned

May 12, 2009, Washington, DC— US energy efficiency expert Dr. Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez recently praised One Change and its award-winning Project Porchlight campaign before an influential committee of the United States House of Representatives, and encouraged the Department of Energy (DOE) to adopt similar programs to help meet the US’ progressive energy saving targets.

During testimony about social and behavioral insights for generating large reductions in energy use, Dr. Ehrhardt-Martinez used One Change and Project Porchlight as an example of a successful community-based social marketing campaign aimed at encouraging people to adopt energy-efficient behaviors. She heralded One Change’s innovative campaign model, highlighted its successes to date, and cited some of Project Porchlight’s early funders, including Hydro Ottawa and The City of Ottawa.

“Socio-cultural and interpersonal interventions recognize the importance of social institutions and culture, norms, and networks in the shaping of individual and organizational behaviors,” said Dr. Ehrhardt-Martinez. According to her, Project Porchlight is one of “a few energy programs that are successfully incorporating some of these socio-cultural insights into their efforts to increase the adoption and diffusion of energy-efficient technologies.”

“Project Porchlight uses several different social insights to encourage the adoption of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs,” she continued. “By using existing networks, the project encourages local action in neighborhoods and within groups by working with group members who deliver light bulbs door to door.

“Light bulb recipients make a commitment to their neighbors that they will install the light bulb (preferably in a prominent place) as a symbol of their commitment to the effort – an action which also provides a first step in shaping their identity as someone who is willing to take action to reduce their environmental impact.”

“One Change empowers people to believe that simple actions matter and to make smart choices that protect the environment,” said One Change Executive Director Stuart Hickox. “We’ve been growing at a rapid rate, with successful programs now running on both sides of the border. Just last month, Project Porchlight surpassed the milestone of delivering more than 2 million free CFL bulbs to residents across North America. And we were recently honored as one of the top 5 non-profit organizations in the US by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR program.”

One Change recently became the first Canada-US partner of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an affiliation aimed at building new partnerships with municipalities, states and provincial governments.

With successful campaigns recently completed in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Vermont, Project Porchlight is shifting its focus to New Jersey—where a 1 million bulb campaign is in full swing—and to Washington State—where a collaborative new campaign is poised to take off this summer.

“But One Change is about more than light bulbs,” continued Hickox. “We’re excited to launch an innovative new campaign to help drivers improve their fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The One Change: Fuel pilot campaign will kick off in Ottawa South this summer, the very same place where we began Project Porchlight five years ago—with great success.”

Dr. Ehrhardt-Martinez is a Research Associate with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.

She lauded One Change during the April 28 hearing of the United States House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment in Washington, DC. The important committee has oversight over US legislation related to energy conservation and efficiency, the energy aspects of climate change, and research related to the DOE and EPA.

To view the full text of Dr. Ehrhardt-Martinez’s testimony, please click here.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Manon Crôteau
Communications and Outreach Manager, One Change
manon(at)www.onechange.org
1-866-585-6359 x.218

For business development opportunities, please contact:
Chris Kelly
Development Coordinator
chris(at)www.onechange.org
1-866-585-6359 x.200

• View this release as a PDF.

Calvin Kruk recognized posthumously as a Catalyst by United Nations Environment Programme at One Change gala event in Ottawa.

Faith Kruk and son Austin on hand at National Gallery to accept Award on behalf of the late Mayor of Dawson Creek, Calvin Kruk.

Earth Day. Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Great Hall, National Gallery of Canada

Hundreds gathered in Ottawa last Wednesday, April 15, with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) North America Director Amy Fraenkel to celebrate a local bright idea that has grown to an international NGO that empowers people to make smart choices that protect the environment. The event, called the One Change Catalyst Awards, was held to announce a new UNEP partnership with the award-winning Ottawa-based NGO and to recognize people and organizations that were critical to One Change’s exponential growth since its founding in 2005.

Among those in attendance at the gala event were Hon. Stéphane Dion, Vice Chair of Canada’s National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy David Chernushenko, CEO of Globe Electric Eddie Weinstein, Jason Lockhart of Innovative Research, and Faith Kruk, on behalf of His Worship the late Calvin Kruk, Mayor of Dawson Creek.

“The enthusiasm for One Change among the diverse attendees at their first Catalyst Awards reflects shared values and optimism that people around the world can make a concrete difference for the environment in their everyday lives,” said Amy Fraenkel, UNEP Director and Regional Representative.

One Change is better known in Dawson Creek for its Project Porchlight campaign, which was active in British Columbia in 2008. Since the first Project Porchlight campaign in 2005, campaigns have been run in four provinces and three states with over 10,000 volunteers and 2,000 community groups engaged to deliver 2 million free energy efficient light bulbs door to door in over 500 communities. Over 20,000 bulbs were handed out by volunteers in northeast BC, after Mayor Kruk invited the campaign to Dawson Creek.

The Catalyst Awards were presented to four outstanding community leaders and groups from across Canada and the United States who have acted as catalysts for significant environmental action by helping Project Porchlight grow into a North American-wide grassroots phenomenon.

Community Catalyst: His Worship the late Calvin Kruk, Mayor of Dawson Creek, BC
Political Catalyst: David McGuinty, MP (Ottawa South)
Corporate Catalyst: EnCana Corporation (Calgary, Alberta)
NGO Catalyst: Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (Burlington, VT)

Photos of the event can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/catalyst2009

His Worship the Late Calvin Kruk, Mayor of Dawson Creek, recognized as One Change’s Community Catalyst

The late Calvin Kruk, Mayor of Dawson Creek, was honoured with a Catalyst Award because of his unique passion for his community and for his commitment to environmental issues. Present to accept the award were Faith and Austin Kruk, wife and son of Mayor Kruk.

Mayor Kruk was a catalyst in bringing Project Porchlight to British Columbia in 2008. Because of his leadership, volunteers delivered 20,000 free energy-efficient light bulbs across the Northeast region of British Columbia and helped spread the message that simple actions matter. The campaign helped residents save $700,000 in electricity and cut more than 500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of taking 100 cars off the road for a year.

“Mayor Kruk was not just a mayor, but an environmental leader, a man of vision, and a community advocate,” said Stuart Hickox. “He understood that while changing light bulbs won’t save the world, this simple action can change people.”

Through Mayor Kruk’s strong leadership and commitment to the environment, Dawson Creek has become a leader in community energy planning and actions, including conservation and developing alternative sources of energy.

For current news on One Change initiatives and events, or to volunteer, visit www.onechange.org.

For interview opportunities with Amy Fraenkel (UNEP), Stuart Hickox (One Change), or for more information about One Change, please contact:

Manon Crôteau, Communications and Outreach Manager, One Change:
manon(at)www.onechange.org 1.866.585.6359, ext. 218 Mobile 613.263.0403

• To view an excellent article about Calvin Kruk titled “Calvin Kruk remembered” click here
• View media release as a PDF.