Happy Arbor Day!

A magnolia tree in full bloom.

The last Friday in April is National Arbor Day so why not celebrate this weekend by planting a tree? Click here for a link to the Arbor Day Foundation website and a wealth of information about trees. Have an efficient weekend, everyone!

Today's Energy Insight

Did you know a monitor consumes up to 70% of a computer's energy? So when you shut down your computer, please be sure to turn off your monitor too. Not only will you be saving energy, you can actually extend the life of the monitor because it stays cool when powered down.    Wow, who knew?

Incandescents, CFLs and Easy Bake Ovens

By now you have probably heard that compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs but here is something else to consider...

Standard incandescent bulbs create more heat than light, up to 90% of the energy these bulbs use is given off as heat. When running AC, incandescent bulbs are actually working against you.  If you switch to CFLs your cooling costs will go down along with your lighting costs.

Here's a good example of how much heat is generated by incandescent bulbs: a 100 watt bulb in an Easy Bake Oven reaches temperatures between 350 and 375 degrees F. It can bake any recipe which requires a 350 degree baking temp, just in miniature proportions.

This gives you an idea of just how much heat is generated by a single incandescent light bulb but this doesn't mean you should stop using your conventional oven and place baking pans on your living room lamps. Just think about how you can save in both energy and cooling costs by replacing standard bulbs with CFLs.

Unrelated to energy but as a fun side note, the Easy Bake Oven was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2006 and no, I never had one growing up even though I really, really wanted one for my 7th birthday.

Earth Day 2012

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Sunday is Earth Day! The very first Earth Day was celebrated over 40 years ago on April 22nd, 1970. This day was set aside as a reminder for us to think about everything the earth provides for us and to consider ways we can conserve these precious resources. Additionally, this day serves as a huge reminder for us to clean up after ourselves.

 

So here's a thought for you on this Friday before Earth Day...

 

 

 

Get outdoors this weekend. 

Pause.

Breathe deeply.

Be present.

Enjoy the moment.

 

 

Today's Energy Insight

Schools in the United States spend $8 billion a year on energy, second only to salaries and more than is spent on books and computers.

Wow, that's a lot of energy AND a lot of money. By making simple changes and being more concious of our energy use, we CAN make a difference.

So please turn off the lights and power down the electronics when you can.  Thanks for doing your part!

Greetings from the EEC!

Greetings from the Energy Efficiency Coordinator for Robbinsdale Area Schools!

I am so excited to be a part of this great school district and have created a new blog which will allow me to share news and information about what is happening in the district when it comes to energy conservation and much, much more.

Robbinsdale Area Schools have partnered with SEE, Schools for Energy Efficiency, a program intended to help the entire district reduce overall energy use – in turn reducing energy costs.  My role is to support this district's SEE program efforts as we focus on bringing more energy-saving strategies and activities into the schools.

Please check back here often for updates, information, energy quizzes, helpful energy saving tips, pictures, announcements and more.