Today's Energy Insight

There is a song from the original Footloose movie entitled "Somebody's Eyes" and the main lyric is "Somebody's eyes are watching..."

What does this have to do with energy?

Whether you are a teacher with students, a parent with a child or children at home, or perhaps an upper grade student or an older sibling, somebody is always watching you. So today's energy insight is simply this:

Be a model of energy efficient behavior.

Somebody's eyes are watching so set a good example of energy efficiency. It's not just about saving money, it's also about preserving this great big wonderful world in which we live. Be a good steward of our natural resources, be an Energy Rock Star.

Do you know???

Who said the following:

I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.  Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.  Otherwise what is there to defend?


A)  Arnold Schwarzenegger

B)  Al Gore

C)  Robert Redford

D)  Hillary Clinton


Bonus points if you know where and when this was said.
Scroll down to check your answer...

At the Yosemite National Park dedication in 1985, this was said by Robert Redford. 

Today's Energy Insight

Refrigeration usually makes up approximately 8-10% of the typical utility bill. Making sure thermostats are at optimal temperature settings is a free and easy way to save energy.

A freezer should be set between zero and 5 degrees F and a refrigerator compartment should be between 37 and 40 degrees F. If settings are 10 degrees lower than these, you can increase your energy usage by up to as much as 25%. That is a big jump!

So if you have no idea what the temp is in your fridge or freezer, pop a thermometer inside and check it out, can't hurt, might help.

Green Valentines

 

If you still need a valentine for someone special, click here for a link to some fun green ideas on planetpals.com.

Wishing you a happy and green Valentine's Day!

 

 

Today's Energy Insight

Curbside recycling originated in what year?

A) 1858

B) 1874

C) 1891

D) 1902

AND in which city?

1) Baltimore

2) New York City

3) Richmond

4) Boston

Scroll down for the answer...

B1
Curbside recycling originated in 1874 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Today's Energy Insight

If your water heater was manufactured before 2004, consider wrapping it with an insulating blanket designed specifically for this purpose. Newer water heaters don't need added insulation because the federal requirement for tank insulation was updated and increased in 2004. Most water heaters manufactured before then have less insulation which results in standby heat loss and wasted energy.

Water heating can account for as much as 17% of an average home's annual energy use so installing an insulating blanket can pay off quickly. Some manufacturers have specific guidelines for installing an insulating blanket, so be sure to check the owners manual. Also please note on gas units, areas not to cover include warning labels, the top of the unit, the pressure relief valve, the control panel, and any bottom air inlets.

And the last thought today on water heaters... it is a good idea to drain off a bucket of hot water from your water heater annually to remove sediment that will interfere with the heater's long-term use and efficiency. Speaking from recent experience at home, this was something we did not know should be done as preventative maintenance so we had to replace our water heater after we found years of sediment effecting our hot water pressure and ultimately damaging the unit.

Green Lesson Plans

Renewable Energy = Infinite Power!

Click here for the link to a website with some great lesson plans about renewable resources.