Eco Experience

Eco /ˈēkō/ adjective; not harming the environment; eco-friendly

Volume 8, October 2021

Eco Tips and More

In this issue:

• Tips for National Energy Efficiency Day-October 6
• Global Day for Climate Justice November 6
• Resources to teach COP26 October 31-November 12
• Shift Campaign- Small shifts, big impact
• 4J Climate Justice team-Join us!
• Salmon Education-not too late to sign up!

Go well. Reach out if you need support. Scroll...it'll be worth it. 🌎🌏🌍

Yes. There is a day for everything. But really, all of these token days are designed to bring awareness to ways we can do all the things. The Energy Efficiency Day message is simple: “Save Money. Cut Carbon. Breathe Easier." Energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut consumer bills and reduce pollution.

Here are 10 simple ways to reduce energy waste, at home and at work:

1. Make the switch to LED

LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.

2. Seal Those Leaks

On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.

Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.

3. Heat and Cool Efficiently

Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep, and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or asleep, and lower it at other times.

Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year.

4. Maintain Your HVAC System

Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you more money.

Tip: Consider getting a winter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you money and making your home more comfortable.

5. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label

ENERGY STAR® labeled windows can cut heating costs by as much as 30% compared to single-pane windows, while increasing indoor comfort and lessening fading of home furnishings.

Tip: If you are undertaking a major home remodel or new build, consider installing ENERGY STAR® qualified HVAC equipment and appliances.

6. Turn the Electronics Off

That sounds easy, but too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in that are not in use.

Tip: Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!)

7. Winter Tip: Invite the Sun In

It feels like the sun abandons us during the winter, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it during the shorter days.

Tip: Open curtains/shade on your west-and south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and save 2%-12%.

8. Summer Tip: Close Blinds and Shades

This tip is easy to forget, but vital: excess sunlight will make it harder to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Tip: During the day, keep your blinds and shades closed to prevent warm air from building up in your home.

9. Clean Your Clothing Efficiently

That’s an easy one. A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water.

Tip: Consider using cold water instead. In addition, try to run full loads as much as possible, because the machine uses roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Also, consider air-drying.

10. Clean Up Your Dishes Efficiently

If there’s one thing that has the power to unite people, it’s food. And with food comes dishes to clean. Fear not – there really is a more efficient way to use your dishwasher.

Tip: Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle and skip heated drying – simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry!

Source: energyefficiencyday.org

Image credit: medium.com

What Is COP26 and Why Should You Get Involved?

The planet is at breaking point, but you can help influence the minds of the future. We live in a world that is still coming to terms with the environmental crisis of climate change that is unfolding before it. Our students are witnessing a world in transition: from a past and present full of fossil fuels, deforestation, hunting, habitat destruction and pollution to a future aiming for sustainability and zero carbon.

As a teacher, you are leading and inspiring the generation of young people in education today. You have the power and responsibility to equip our children with the knowledge, skills and courage to overcome the challenges of climate change and to shape the world into one in which the human race can live in harmony with the planet it calls home.

After a 12-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will take place in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12 to “bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change”.

Only by teaching our children about climate change, its causes and effects and the significance of COP26 can we empower them to spread the message and effect change as they become the decision makers of the future.

COP26 teaching resources:

Climate Generation COP toolkit

UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021

The Go-to Free Resources (2nd grade and up)

World's Largest Lesson (K and up)

Be a Climate Change Superheroe

Sources: twinkl.com, Green Left

TOSA-Climate, Energy, Conservation

Email: shepard_t@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://bit.ly/4J-eep
Phone: 541.790.5533