ONE CHANGE and PROJECT PORCHLIGHT ENEWS :: FEBRUARY 2010
	One Change and Project Porchlight Partner with Ed Begley Jr. One Change recently kicked off a relationship with its new spokesperson, Hollywood-actor-turned-green-icon, Ed Begley Jr. "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. Begley recorded a series of television and radio PSAs for the organization, which you can view on our YouTube Channel, that are scheduled to begin appearing around the New Jersey region. 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. You can browse pictures of the New Jersey volunteer appreciation event on Flickr or read about the event on our Project Porchlight blog.
	Standout Volunteer Thelma Miller Shines A Little Light on Camden, NJ Thelma Miller was nine years old when her family first began worshiping at New Mickle Baptist Church (NMBC) in Camden, New Jersey. That was approximately 50 years ago, and NMBC is still an important part of her life. Every year, NMBC serves Christmas Dinner to those in the community who lack the means or ability to prepare their own. On December 25, the folks who enjoyed NMBC’s Christmas Dinner were given another gift as well: An energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb and the opportunity to learn about the energy savings offered by CFL bulbs. Thelma Miller is a proven standout volunteer who’s helped One Change and Project Porchlight distribute 250 CFL bulbs and she continues to spread the message of energy efficiency to church congregants. Read more here... Psst! One Change: Fuel Video Released! One Change has released a new video about our recent One Change: Fuel campaign in Ottawa. With the help of dedicated volunteers and support from all over the city we were able to distribute 13,000 free digital tire gauges door-to-door and at community events. Check out the One Change: Fuel campaign live in action.
	Simple Actions for winter Check your hot water heater’s temperature. If you have a dishwasher you can heat it up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). If you don’t have a dishwasher you can keep it lower. Try lowering it to 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit). In some homes, those savings have amounted to more than 10% of the total energy usage. Use a hot water heater blanket. If your water heater is in an unheated space like an unfinished basement, wrap it in an insulation blanket to prevent heat loss. They cost about $40 and can be found at your local home improvement store. Clean or replace your filter every month. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, which uses more electricity. Your home improvement store sells permanent filters which you can wash so you don't have to replace the filter each month. Changing your filters can save you up to $60 a year on heating costs. Dust and vacuum those radiators and vents. Dust acts as a great insulator and will actually stop the heat from getting to where you need it. Don’t empty the bath until the water has cooled down. The heat will dissipate into the air. It will also add needed humidity in those winter months. For more tips on how to save money and protect the environment visit our website: www.onechange.org