Energy Waste Scavenger Hunt
Context:
Energy waste contributes significantly to high utility bills and worsening climate change. Spending a few minutes to help reduce your home’s energy use can save money, especially when more time is being spent in the home! This is a great way for your student or young person to lower their energy use, save money, and take care of their environment!
Check out this video to learn more about saving energy! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-g73ty9v04)
Goals: Age Group: K-5
Reduce home energy use
Help lower utility bills
Supplies: None
Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
Identify places to reduce energy use at home!
a.)Turn off lights in rooms where lights are left on for no reason, when it is sunny, or when the room is not being used.
b.)Open the curtains or blinds to use sunlight instead of the lights, when possible.
c.)Turn off TVs, video game consoles, or other electronic devices left on for no reason or when not in use.
d.)Unplug electronic devices like cell phones or computers when they are fully charged but not in use. They are still using energy when they are plugged in and fully charged.
e.) Unplug appliances when they’re not in use (anything on standby mode or with a light is still using electricity!)
f.) Check windows and baseboards using the ‘wet hand test’ to find the leak, and use caulk to seal. (Reducing drafts can cut your energy costs by up to 20%, according to the US Department of Energy!)
g.) OPTIONAL (with a parent or guardian): If you need to add cold water when showering or washing dishes, you can turn down the temperature on the hot water heater (no lower than 120 degrees).
I.) Hot water accounts for about 30% percent of home energy use and reducing the temperature can significantly lower your bill.
Reflection Questions:
Where does electricity come from? How is it made?
What is a nonrenewable resource? Renewable? Give examples.
What are some of the reasons energy bills higher in the winter compared to summer?
Is more energy used in your house when you're at home or when you're away?
What other things could we change in our daily lives to use less energy? Be creative!
What could you do with the money you save from using less energy?
How can you encourage others to use less energy?