Show r some Texas and New Mexico cities elementary school are Watt Watchers They patrol the school looking for wasted energy— water leaks or lights left on in empty rooms Who asks them to do that? Their mentors the high school students In High school students have the same platiols but they do even more: They audit their schools' energy use and find ways to make them more efficient They also get together for community projects like weatherizing senior citizens' homes (For more on the program visit wwwepseaorgseedhtnd ) They've found great ways to help the planet Cutting energy use reduces the greenhouse gases that cause global Warming and acid rain It also slashes air and water pollution and helps keep nature areas naturalThat's a lot to get done with just a flick of a switch 4 Change the thermostat Just turning the thermostat down a few degrees in winter and up a few degrees in summer can mean big energy savings Get an energy audit Many power providers will give you tips on how to cut your energy use 5 6l Go for the green More and more cities are offering power alternatives Sometimes your family can choose a “green’7 power provider and use forms of energy generated by the wind or the sun (To learn more about green power visit wwweren doegovgreenpowerhome shtml ) non-polluti- ng On the Road 1 Park the car April 19th is e Day On that day— of another day— try not to use or ride in a car at all Make it a challenge Run walk jog bike Rolleri)lade or Car-Fre- take public transportation Afterward figure out how to cut back on how much you use a car every day (To learn more about Car-FrDay visit ee Get 1 Energy-Efficie- nt Ttim it off Turn off the TV the CD player the air conditioner the lights when no one is in the room Do i If yuu rrphkr tumlinrl in muleneiit IhjII’x with rumHirt fhnnesceni liybtiiig you can mfuce energy costs h more than 60t' ' 2 this at school and on the job as well as at home If you'll be gone a long time —say several days— unplug unused appliances aswell Most keep ' drawing some current even when they’re turned off Get the right stuff If it's time for a new appliance talk to your family about buying (me that has won the Energy Star for efficiency (wwwenergystargov) Also mention compact fluorescent light bulbs They use just the power of regular bulbs and last 10 times as long wwwearthdaynetgoalscaifnedaystm) 2 Jump in the carpool If you and your friends are going to the same place— go together It’s more fun anyway 3 Get efficient If you or your family are in the market for a new car one If you’re get a keeping the old car increase its gas mileage How? Be sure the tires are property inflated and the car is well tuned And drive a little slower fuel-efficie- nt one-four- th 3 Keep the heat or cold in At night— or when down the window shades everyone leaves the house-p-ull and close the curtains This keeps the cold air in during the summer and thewarm air in during the winter Also lode for air leaks and be sure that windows are tightly closed If your home is drafty your family may want to think about weather stripping or other insulation (Quick tip: Insulation works in other ways too When boiling water keep the lid on the pot to keep the heat in!) 4 Consolidate If you're doing 8000 errands do than all at the same time—in the order that requires the least driving Waterworks Don't let the water run For example turn the water off while you’re brushing your teeth It's 1 an easy way to save a few gallons |