Making our homes and schools more energy efficient can greatly reduce energy use, thereby saving money and the environment. Efficiency deals with how well we utilize energy, deriving a maximum of energy from the least amount of effort, distinctively different from cutting energy use through conservation only. Efficiency can be improved through using appliances that draw less energy, becoming more aware of how you use energy in the home or school, or cutting down on wasting energy sources.

Children can do simple things like reducing the amount of “ghost energy” consumed by electronics such as VCRs or stereos, which still draw energy even when they are turned off, turning lights and computers off when not in use, or shortening time in the shower. Knowing how much electricity a given item draws can also build awareness. For example, a hair dryer can draw as much electricity as a large appliance, sometimes as much as 1800 watts–as much electricity as a dishwasher uses. You can demonstrate this idea by purchasing an electric meter reader, such as a Kill-a-Watt meter, and plugging in various electronics to compare power consumption.

Children can also assist in implementing energy-efficient measures in the home. These measures include replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, sealing leaks and cracks in windows and doors, installing more efficient showerheads or thermostat regulators for heating and cooling. Bigger measures like purchasing energy-efficient appliances and heaters or getting a home energy audit can also greatly help. In some homes, these measures can collectively reduce energy use by nearly 50 percent.

In the school environment, children may not have even considered the energy needs of running a school building. Implementing campaigns, ideally designed by the students and faculty, to improve the use and consumption of energy in the school will not only save on energy costs but also instill an awareness of how energy is used in our daily lives.