Arapahoe County is challenging its residents and employees to make a pledge to save energy by driving smarter or using energy-efficient light bulbs as part of the National Association of Counties and Alliance to Save Energy county competitions.

The Drive $marter Challenge is a fuel-efficiency campaign launched by The Wal-Mart Foundation, National Association of Counties and 16 public and private-sector partners to help U.S. consumers lower their gasoline costs by using less. The campaign offers effective money and gas-saving tips in English and Spanish and provides extensive additional resources - all aimed at keeping more money in drivers' pockets and reducing the number of costly trips to the pump.

The campaign web site www.drivesmarterchallenge.org features links to resources ranging from where to find the cheapest local gas to information on public transportation, biking, car sharing and carpooling.

The Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR Campaign encourages employees and residents to not only change a light bulb in their home to an energy-efficient one, but to also choose among other actions they can take to help save energy (such as power managing computers, choosing ENERGY STAR appliances, or properly programming their thermostats). Make your pledge by visiting www.greencounties.org/changetheworld.

"Participating in these campaigns is a simple way for people to make a difference," said Commissioner Pat Noonan. "We are proud to spread the word about the easy steps individuals can take to be more energy efficient."

Last year, Arapahoe County placed third in the nation among counties with mid-sized populations in the Change a Light, Change the World Campaign.

For more information or to take the challenges, visit www.co.arapahoe.co.us under What's New.