| Many parents want to teach their children about | | | | they use for a day such as TV, computer, lights, etc. |
| renewable energy and energy efficiency early in life | | | | and for how long, and if possible the wattage of each |
| because once they get in the habit of it, it will be a | | | | device. If they can't get the wattage, you can look up |
| habit they continue to follow for the rest of their life. | | | | the average wattage for each device for |
| But where should you start when teaching renewable | | | | demostration purposes. Do a rough calcuation to show |
| energy for kids? | | | | them how much power they're using in a day. |
| A good start would be defining exactly what | | | | Now have them do an 'energy conservation' day |
| renewable energy is. You can suggest they make a | | | | where they turn off devices when they're not using |
| list of non-renewable and renewable power sources | | | | them, turn off lights when not in a room, turn down the |
| and build from there. Some examples would be: | | | | heat/AC a couple degrees, etc. Now recalculate the |
| Non-Renewable: Oil/Gas, Natural Gas, Coal, Nuclear | | | | daily wattage and show them how much energy they |
| Renewable: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydro/Water | | | | saved with a few simple changes. |
| Explain to them how renewable energy comes from | | | | Another great idea is show them how installing a solar |
| natural forces. It is different from fossil fuels as it does | | | | panel or windmill can generate electricy for their own |
| not make greenhouse gases or other pollutants. | | | | home. It's not as expensive as you might think. You |
| You can further explain how the mass production of | | | | don't need an expensive commerical system. You can |
| electricity using renewable energy sources has only | | | | build your own for $100-200 dollars and your kids could |
| recently become more popular. Some of the reasons | | | | even help if they're old enough. The less they take |
| why it's becoming more popular include: climate change | | | | energy for granted, the better. |
| caused by pollution and fossil fuels are all being used | | | | These lessons will stick with them (especially at such |
| up and becoming more expensive. | | | | an impressionable age) and they'll be using these |
| A great idea is to teach kids about energy efficiency. | | | | practices for the rest of their life. Teach renewable |
| Have them make a list of all the powered devices | | | | energy for kids, the sooner the better! |