Today's Energy Insight

How to Save Energy with Holiday Lighting

• Use Fiber Optic Decorations Fiber optics are the ultimate in energy efficiency. In most cases, they use a single light bulb.
• Switch to LED Light Strands and Decorations LED lights use 90% less electricity than regular holiday lights
• Limit the Time Lights are On Wait until dark to turn on your lights. Six hours or less a day is a good goal. Have trouble remembering to turn them off? Set a timer.
• Turn Off Room Lights When the Tree is On The lights on your tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room.
• Decorate with Candles Set up luminaries or ice candle holders outside. Lit candles throughout your home achieve a beautiful glow without adding to your electric bill. Just remember, SAFETY FIRST when it comes to decorating with candlelight.

Thankful

Just a simple note of thanks to YOU, the wonderful staff and students in the Robbinsdale Area School District: THANK YOU for being thoughtful about your energy use and saving energy whenever possible. All your efforts add up to make a huge difference!

Wishing you a Happy, Safe and Efficient Thanksgiving!

Today's Energy Insight

Let's Talk Turkey Energy Efficiency!
Here are the top 7 ways to save energy on Thanksgiving:

1. Keep the over door closed so heat does not escape causing the oven to use more energy to maintain its temperature.
2. Match your pots to the burner size and use lids when possible.
3. Bake several dishes at the same time when at the same temp to cut down in overall baking time.
4. Use glass or ceramic pans to lower the oven temp by 25 degrees and still bake in the same amount of time.
5. Turn down your thermostat because baking, cooking and extra people help to heat up your home.
6. Use your microwave; it uses much less energy and cooking time is much shorter.
7. Use your dishwasher; it uses less water than hand-washing dishes.

Today's energy Insight

Thanksgiving is next week already! Check out this great article on how to have yourself a green Thanksgiving. CLICK HERE for the link to "Ideas for a Greener Thanksgiving."

Today's Energy Insight

It's Novemberrrrrrrrrrrrr!



Now that it has turned chillier, here are some helpful tips for being more energy efficient during the heating season:

• Clear the clutter from furnace vents and registers.
• Close drapes and blinds after the sun goes down (which is way too early right now!)
• Make sure appliances and electronics (those that emit heat) are not near thermostats.
• Limit your use of portable heaters so you don't freeze out your coworker (space heaters wreak havoc on the zone heating of schools and offices!)
• Dress for the weather, add a layer (or three) or lap blanket.
• If your arms are full, consider not using the auto door opener, which keeps the door open longer allowing the cold air in and the warm air to escape!

Today's Energy Insight

It's NOVEMBER

and you know what that means...

It's No Waste November!

What have you done today to not waste energy?

Thanks for doing your part and being energy smart!