Today's Energy Insight

Which technology listed below can provide us with a smooth transition to safe, economic and carbon-free energy?

• Electric Cars
• Solar Power
• Nuclear Power
• Clean Coal
• Hydrogen Fuel Cells
• Wind Turbines
• Natural Gas

 

 Scroll down for the answer...

The answer is: None of the above.

There isn't a single technology that will give us an easy transition to carbon-free energy for home cooling and heating, transportation, manufacturing and all our country's other energy needs. Every source of energy has its own drawbacks and benefits. To make a transition to new forms of energy, it will involve many different technologies, along with improvements in efficiency and changes in infrastructure.

Today's Energy Insight

You've probably heard the water saving tip about turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. Well, here is a water conservation tip you may not have thought of...

When you are waiting for water to heat up in the shower or at the kitchen sink, there is an easy way to put that water to use rather than just letting it run down the drain.

Catch the water in a bucket or watering can and use it to water house plants. Just a simple way to use water that otherwise is wasted.

Have you got a creative way you conserve energy or natural resources? Email sheri_brunner@rdale.org and share your energy insight!

Today's Energy Insight

Today is all about GREEN Shopping...

One of my favorite go-to sites for unique gifts is Etsy. You can definitely reduce the carbon footprint of your consumerism by going directly to the source, the artist. With purchasing goods handmade by local and global artisans, besides supporting these artists, you avoid the energy use that comes from products being mass produced. You also avoid transportation to and from the mall or stores not to mention, you avoid all the traffic and crowds. It's kind of like shopping both around the world and in your own neighborhood but from the comfort of wherever you find yourself on the internet.

Another site to check out is uncommongoods. Their tag line is "creative living, mindful giving." I am so impressed by this company, read their mission statement to see just what this sustainable green company is all about.

Have you been to the website hipcycle? Here you can find stuff made from other stuff -- not necessarily recycled or organic, but upcycled from material that already exists.

bambeco has eco-friendly home and garden items but don't let the name fool you, they have a lot more than bamboo items at this sustainable company.

Just a few more sites to check out:

branch          Shop to be Green          So Good it's Green

          Sustainable Habit          Bag Inspiration          Green Heart Shop

Green Moxie          roozt           Tea Source

          Lunch Skins

Happy Green Shopping!

Good News!

The latest quarterly results are in and for the months of October, November and December 2013, the Robbinsdale Area School District achieved a cost avoidance/savings of $22,587.00! Wow!!! That IS good news! You may not be changing the world when you flip a switch off or power down idle electronics, however, everyone working together has added up to make a difference. Thank you, everyone, for doing your part! Keep up the good work! 

Classroom Visits

Fancy Nancy Every Day is Earth Day is a fun book about being eco-conscious in a variety of areas. I would love to visit your kindergarten, first or second grade classroom to read this book to your students and then follow with a short discussion about energy efficiency at their level.


Another option is Curious George Plants a Tree. Please consider having the district's Energy Efficiency Coordinator as a guest reader in your classroom. To schedule a visit either email sheri_brunner@rdale.org or call ext.8104.

Today's Energy Insight

The Five Rs

Recently spotted on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse was not your typical environmental awareness poster. This campaign went beyond the well known three Rs:  Reduce  Reuse  Recycle. Also included were two additional appropriate words when it comes to being good environmental and energy stewards, Re-buy and Rethink. So remember the FIVE Rs...

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
• Re-buy
• Rethink

SEE Squad at SEA

Energy Thought of the Day

Look deep, deep into nature,

and then you will understand everything better.    ~ Albert Einstein