Hands-On Energy Efficiency

15 You Have the Power! Many of the energy-saving changes in this book require the help of an adult, but you have the power to make lots of changes, too. Here are some things you can do on your own every day: Turn off the lights when you leave a room, even if it’s just for a minute. Those minutes add up! Use the “sleep” mode to power down your computer when it isn’t being used for short periods. Turn it off if you won’t be using it for an hour or more. Adjust the thermostat to reduce heating or cooling use. Keep the refrigerator door closed. Decide what you want to eat before you open the door. Keep doors and windows closed when heating or air conditioning is on. Turn off or unplug the TV, computer, and related electronic devices when they aren’t being used. Or, use an advanced power strip to automatically turn off power to related devices when you shut off your computer or TV. How Can You Help? Put a check beside the energy-saving activities on this page that you already do. Put a star next to those you would like to start doing. Can you think of some other ways you can help your family or classroom save energy? List them below. (You can look through this booklet to get some ideas.)