Part 2, Step 2: Reduce | Unite for Earth Day

Reduce the Energy We Use

Every year, we use more energy than we did the year before. In fact, the amount of energy Americans use has doubled about every 20 years. And all of that energy use adds up! Wasting energy, by using too
much or not using it wisely, is a waste of money and hurts the environment. And like you learned in the previous section, most of the energy we use is a non-renewable resource; once we use them up, they’re gone forever. Learning how to reduce the energy we use is an important part of a sustainable future.

Continue below to learn about energy use.

Surprising%20places%20we%20waste%20energy_edited.jpg

The Surprising Places We Waste Energy

The Surprising Places We Waste Energy by It's Okay to be Smart

We use a LOT of energy, but we waste a lot too. Where that waste happens might surprise, you though. We don't just waste energy when we leave the lights on or the thermostat cranked down too low. It happens at the dinner table and the water faucet as too!

Video found on https://www.pbs.org/video/its-okay-be-smart-energy-waste/

(Runtime: 3m 26s)

Watch the Video on PBS

Saving Energy - Tips for Kids

Saving Energy with Aaron Grymes - Tips for Kids

A quick video clip on Saving Energy with Aaron Grymes | Ep. 5 – Tips for Kids.

Aaron Grymes is a Canadian football defensive back for the BC Lions.

Video found on https://www.bclions.com/2019/10/24/saving-energy-with-aaron-grymes-ep-5-tips-for-kids/

(Runtime: 1m)

Watch the Video from BC Lions

Reduce Your Food Waste

We waste a lot of food in America. In fact, 40% of all edible food in the United States gets tossed. The impact is huge—from energy wasted, to rotten food and packaging clogging our landfills. Lessons
learned early in life can prompt a lifetime of smart habits, so help your family become food waste aware.

Think about these questions...

Do you usually eat all of your lunch? If not, what are the reasons why?
When you throw food away, where does it go?
Can you think of a way to reduce the amount of food wasted in your home and school?

Continue below to learn about food waste..

Wasteland: Our Food Waste Problem Is Bigger Than You Think

Wasteland: Our Food Waste Problem Is Bigger Than You Think
by NBC News

One-third of all food created on earth is wasted before it ever reaches the plate. In America, that’s nearly 500 pounds per person, per year. This is Wasteland, a deep dive into what we throw out and how it affects what's next. This episode explores our food waste problem and some creative solutions to try and solve it.

Video found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI0HMOfIdH4

(Runtime: 3m 13s)

Watch the Video on YouTube

Food Waste Presentation for Schools

Food Waste Presentation for Schools by Food Rescue

A short video on Food Waste.

Why should we care about food waste in America?

Video found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xBzAqnXZJc

(Runtime: 4m 36s)

Watch the video on YouTube

Unplug the Electronics

Some comments on reducing energy use by unplugging items not in use.

Recorded April 20, 2020 during the online via Zoom Unite for Earth Day 2020.

Speakers are Ms. Mellissa & Ms. Michelle.

(Runtime: 1m 19s)

Lights

Some comments on reducing energy use for lights.

Recorded April 20, 2020 during the online via Zoom Unite for Earth Day 2020.

Speakers are Ms. Mellissa & Ms. Michelle.

(Runtime: 2m 30s)

Activities

As part of the Small Steps to Sustainability Patch, please complete Activity 3 & 4.
Have fun with your family.

Activity 3 - ‘REDUCE YOUR ENERGY USE’ BINGO

Use the Bingo Sheet to show ways to reduce the energy you are using. During one week, check off at least four different ways you have reduced the amount of energy you are using. Share the bingo sheet with your family. Discuss the different boxes you checked and ways energy usage can be reduced.

[When doing this as a one-time group, have everyone think about what they did in the last day or so. Then discuss the different boxes and ways they have reduced energy or can in the future.]

Reduce your energy use when possible.

Do you do these?

The Bingo Boxes include...

Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Shut off water while brushing your teeth.
Reduce use of plastic straws in drinks in restaurants (or at home).
Unplug appliances when you aren’t using them.
Wash your clothes in cold water.
Carrying a reusable water bottle with you.
Wash your dishes by hand instead of running a dishwasher that is not full.
Try to keep the refrigerator door open for shorter periods of time.
Change light bulbs to LED.
Help set up a carpool to school (or work) or sports practices.
Take a shorter shower.
Bike or walk to school or a friend’s house (or other places you go).
Shut off your computer at the end of the day.
Bring leftovers for lunch to school (or work).
Reduce the amount of time you spend watching TV or you are
on your phone.
Bring a reusable lunch box with you to school (or work).

Can you think of other ways to reduce your energy use?

Activity 4 - THINK BEFORE YOU TOSS

Many of the things that we throw away can be reused, composted, or recycled. By examining what happens to food at mealtimes, you can learn how small changes can have a big impact. You can track your food waste, and discover what changes you can make. After completing you worksheet, discuss it with your family. See what ideas you have to reduce food waste and try some.

[When doing this as a one-time group, have everyone think about what food they ate and didn't finish today. Then discuss different ways they could have reduced the amount of food waste.]

Think of what you do with your left over food.