At School

Distribute the nutritional information of food served in the school cafeteria and encourage your classmates to make healthier choices. Try one of these approaches to get the word out.

Is your school behind the green times? Help get things moving! Brainstorm some ideas on how your school can save energy every day, and present your case to the principal. 

Here's a list to get you started:

Everyone can make a difference. Whether it is recycling or cutting showers short, everyone has the power to help put an end to global warming. So what are you waiting for? Here are some ways you can help our planet.

Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. By using three CFBs, you will save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide and $60 a year.

Fill the Dishwasher

You don’t have to run your dishwasher every time you eat. By filling it completely, you can save $40 and 100 lbs. of CO2 emission a year.

Talk to your school administration about how important it is to save energy at school. Here's what your school and you can do to earn EPA's ENERGY STAR.

Vampire energy refers to electricity that is drained from the outlet even when electronics are not in use. Follow these simple tips to save energy (and some money on the electric bill).

Unplug After Use

Once-a-day things should be unplugged after they are used.

• electric can-openers
• curling irons
• hair dryers

Unplug Once Charged

So many things run on battery. There's no need to keep it plugged in the wall once you've left the house.

A rain garden refers to a planted area that receives water runoff from urban areas like parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc. The water from the area goes into the ground and feeds the plants as opposed to flooding storm drains.

Start a rain garden to encourage water conservation and sustainability in your community space.

Buy ENERGY STAR appliances—they're certified to use less energy.

ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the climate through energy-efficient products and practices. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decides which products will earn the symbol.

When you shop for appliances, electronics, home office equipment, lighting, and more, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to save energy and money.

A simple way to help reduce energy consumption is to carpool places. As long as everyone is committed to the following points, your social-ride will be successful.

Spend a few minutes before class explaining to a group how to recognize and purchase energy-efficient light bulbs.