Let’s talk energy

This week is Let’s Talk Energy week (Feb 16- 23) nationally and it is a good time for us to all look at our energy consumption and how it affects our beautiful environment. According to the Let’s Talk Energy website, the focus of their campaign is to “enhance energy awareness and literacy among Canadians to contribute to a sustainable future”. They dedicate one week in the year to get Canadians to really look at how we use energy and get us all talking about different positive ideas we can implement for a sustainable energy based society.

Here at Green Schools Nova Scotia, we speak to students about being Energy Efficient. Energy efficiency can be thought of as the first fuel. Confused? Watch this great video from by ENS that details how being more energy efficient could be Nova Scotia’s smartest fuel source!

EO Ruvi visited a few different schools Virtually during Valentine’s period and spoke to students of various grades about having a Green Valentine’s day, and with one of the main focuses being energy efficiency; even on a special day like this. We can all show love to people and our environment in many different ways. A Grade 5/ 6 student at Colonel John Stuart mentioned that their ideal gift on Valentine’s day would be if everyone in their family could spend time together, play board games and talk about their lives. This may seem like a very simple request, however, it is such a magnificent portrayal of how easy it is to be more energy efficient. Playing board games leads to fewer screens on and everyone in the same room, therefore, the household would only use a few lights!

This is what Let’s Talk Energy week wants us to be conscious of because the world has advanced significantly with technology, and as great as that is, it can sometimes lead to high amounts of energy being consumed worldwide. During this week, consider something that you can also do to cut down on your energy usage. Easy examples to start with are:

• Turning off lights when leaving a room for more than 5 minutes
• Turning down the heat and layering up in the house
• Timing your screen time. If you watch television for 3 hours a day, you can try to cut it down by 30 minutes a day, and this will be sufficient enough to make your carbon footprint a little less.
• Unplugging devices that use power even when off

Need more ideas on what you can do as a class, school or family? Check out Green Schools’ Getting Started with Energy Action Plan, or contact your Engagement officer to book your own Virtual or In-person Engagement.

~Ruvi Engagement Officer HRCE