Today's Energy Insight

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Washing dishes by hand uses less energy than running an electric dishwasher.

Fact: According to Xcel Energy, modern machines beat out the old-fashioned method. Washing dishes by hand is more expensive (not to mention more time consuming) than operating an energy efficient dishwasher. You consume less energy with an energy efficient dishwasher when used properly and when operating with full loads. As an added health benefit, using a dishwasher is also a more sanitary method than washing dishes by hand.

Fridge Facts

Don't be deceived. The refrigerators pictured here are actually brand new but made to look retro. And refrigerators now are much more efficient than their 1950's counterparts. In fact, some of the new energy-efficient models manufactured today are so optimized they use less electricity than a single regular light bulb.

Also, did you know, every time you open the refrigerator at home, up to 30% of the cold air escapes? So get in, get out and keep the chilled air inside the fridge where it belongs.

Be sure to check the seals around your refrigerator door. If they’re cracked or you feel cold air leaking out, the seals should be replaced. An easy way to check for leaks is to place a flashlight inside the fridge and close the door. If you can see light with the door closed, replace the seal.

Last thought for today, remember to clean the filter and coils annually: Most Americans rarely, if ever, get around to vacuuming out the filter and coils on the back of the fridge. A dusty coil can increase energy consumption by up to 20 percent. In addition to running more efficiently, cleaning behind the refrigerator will ultimately increase the longevity of the appliance motor.

Today's Energy Insight

Photo Courtesy Metro-Transit

According to the U.S. Sustainable Energy Coalition, Americans are now using public transit at record levels. However, if Americans used it at the same rate as Europeans (approximately 10% of their daily travel needs) our country could reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40%, nearly equal to the 550 million barrels of oil imported yearly from Saudi Arabia.

Today's Energy Insight

Would you go 8 months without washing your jeans???

Part of year 3 of the SEE Program focuses on water conservation. Yesterday I read an article debating how often one should wash their blue jeans. There are a couple of different schools of thought on the subject but the main take away from the article is you don't necessarily have to launder your jeans after every time you wear them. Also, when you do wash your jeans, you should be hanging the denim pants to line dry which not only extends the life of the garment, it conserves energy as well. The entire article is quite interesting and has some great information so please click here and take a moment to read it.

Today's Energy Insight

Did you know leaving your computer on can draw anywhere between 75 - 300 watts, about as much as a common refrigerator? To conserve energy, a general rule of thumb for shutting down as opposed to leaving your computer up and running is about 30 minutes. If you are going to be away from your computer a half hour or more, then consider shutting down and restarting upon your return.

If a computer lab is going to sit idle for a class period or longer, then you should definitely consider a shut down and restart procedure with students. When you think about the number of computer labs in each of our buildings throughout the district, there are some great opportunities for energy conservation and savings.

Happy New Year!

What a great time to make a resolution to save energy!

As 2015 unfolds before us ripe with new and fresh possibilities, consider adopting an attitude of "every little bit helps."

Even though a single green effort will not solve the world's environmental problems overnight, there is absolutely no harm in trying to make a small impact by embracing greener habits. Resolve to be more energy efficient this year.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  ~ Margaret Mead