Kids are curious! They want to understand energy and how it works. Perhaps you’re already leading by example when it comes to energy conservation at home. Or maybe the kids learned about energy at school sparking a family conversation about sustainable energy use.
A commitment to energy efficiency is everyone’s responsibility and it’s never too soon to start teaching your kids about responsible energy use throughout the house. Whether it’s reminding them to turn off the lights when leaving a room or showing how powering down a device can affect monthly utility bills, reinforcing smarter energy use should be a team effort.
Remember, energy conservation is a serious matter, but practicing energy efficiency at home together can be a lot of fun with a little creativity.
No-Electricity Night
The average household consumes a fair amount of electricity each day, from devices and gaming stations to lighting and appliance use. Give the power grid a rest and host an old-fashioned family night complete with charades or cards by candlelight or gather around the fire pit for s’mores and storytelling. These simple moments, free of technology and other distractions, create family memories for a lifetime.
Scavenger Hunt
Make a game out of energy conservation with a scavenger hunt at home. Keep it simple by making a list of all those small appliances, gadgets, and devices that should be unplugged after use and check if they were powered down correctly. Or download this basic Energy Scavenger Hunt from The Science Penguin and get the younger kids involved too.
Gardening
Planting a tree or starting a fruit or vegetable garden can help conserve energy use. Trees provide needed shade and help improve air quality; while growing your own food can reduce overall energy demands in the environment.
B-I-N-G-O
Enjoy a fun night of family bingo with the kids, while learning all about energy efficiency. Explore these free downloadable options for energy conservation bingo. To get started, you’ll need to print one of the playing cards linked below and find some bingo chips or markers.
The Family Checklist
Last, but not least, post a “Save Energy” checklist in a common area of your home with some common reminders:
- Take a short shower instead of a long bath.
- Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.
- Turn off lights when not needed. Or use natural light when possible.
- Keep doors and windows closed when heat or air conditioning is on.
- Turn off devices. Read more books.
Sources: The Science Penguin, National Energy Education Development
