Take the 'Change a Light' pledge New Jersey communities are being asked to take a leadership role in combating global warming by switching to energy-efficient lighting, according to the NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). NJBPU has recruited communities across the state for the "Change a Light Change the World" campaign to encourage 20,000 New Jersey residents to switch to energy efficient lighting by Dec. 31. According to NJBPU, if all the households in New Jersey changed just five incandescent light bulbs to Energy Star qualified bulbs, New Jersey would prevent more than 3.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the bulbs. That is the equivalent of removing nearly 600,000 cars from the state's roadways. To help achieve this goal, approximately 900 retailers across New Jersey are offering special discounts on qualified lighting from September to November. "Most people are sensitive to the need to protect our environment, but many don't know where to start," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "Participating in New Jersey's Change a Light pledge is a simple way residents can begin to help reduce energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions." Energy Star qualified bulbs use 75 percent less energy than standard lighting, last up to 10 times longer, prevent more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb's lifetime, according NJBPU. The Change a Light, Change the World campaign is a national call-to-action from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For a list of participating retailers and to take the Change a Light Pledge, visit www.njcleanenergy.com/cal or call 1- 866-NJSMART (1-866-657-6278).