Cooperative Living July 2020 - 21

CloserLook | by Maria Kanevsky, Contributing Writer
Chutes, Ladders
and Energy
Efficiency
Three games to get kids
interested in saving energy
nvolving kids in saving energy can
seem tough at first, but it doesn't
have to be. With warmer months
upon us, saving energy will be crucial
for keeping electricity bills low.
Engaging children now will help
them form energy-saving habits for
the future. Believe it or not, there are
fun ways to teach kids how to be
energy efficient and get them enthused
about saving energy.
TURN THE LEARNING
EXPERIENCE INTO A GAME
It doesn't have to be Chutes and
Ladders or Candyland. But the fact is
games create a fun, interactive option
for kids to become engaged with
learning more about saving energy.
Case in point: Create an " energy
treasure hunt " around the home, where
family members search for devices or
appliances that use the most electricity.
After finding these items, you can
discuss with your kids a few ways for
I
Teaching kids about saving
energy when they're young
can have a lasting impact.
those devices to use less energy. You
also could have them search for
proactive efficiency measures, like
weatherstripping, LED bulbs and
air filters.
" I Spy " is another game to play to
identify energy-saving technologies
while out running errands. Encouraging
your kids to find a wide variety of
devices around stores can keep them
even more engaged. Teach them about
the Energy Star logo, which identifies
the most energy-efficient devices and
appliances. The more interested you
are in finding those technologies, the
more interested your kids will be too.
CREATE A REWARD SYSTEM
What kid doesn't love stickers?
Setting aside time to read a book
instead of watching television can
help you and your family save energy.
co-opliving.com
Create a star chart, keep track of
stickers and reward your child for every
10 stickers they earn for doing some
activity that saves energy.
Stickers could be earned every
time your child remembers to turn
off the light in a room after they exit,
unplugging devices (like phone
chargers) they're not using or showering
in less than five minutes.
Rewards can be small things that get
your child excited, like a yo-yo or top.
These actions taken by your kids will
add up over time and help save energy
around the home.
DISCUSS LIFESTYLE CHANGES
AS A FAMILY/AN INDIVIDUAL
But keep the fun in it. Get the family
together to play a board game instead
of watching television. Read a book
together instead of watching cat videos.
Encourage them to play outdoors with
friends. Incorporating energy-saving
practices into everyday life is the best
way to ensure the habit has a lasting
impact.
Got teens? If your kids are a little
older and the suggestions noted above
won't work, get them involved in simple
efficiency projects around the home.
There are several DIY tasks teens can
help with, like caulking and weatherstripping
around windows and doors,
or replacing the HVAC filter.
Teaching your kids to save energy
can be easier when you make it fun.
With a little creativity, each of these
suggestions can be modified for your
family. Each of us, including our kids,
can do our part to save energy. ■
Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst for
the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association.
July 2020 | Cooperative Living | 19
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
PHOTOS BY HOLLY WETZEL/NRECA
http://www.energystar.gov http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living July 2020

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