ComEd, Nicor Experts Challenge Independence Students to Conserve Energy

Experts representing ComEd and Nicor challenged Independence Elementary School 5th graders to be energy efficient during a “Think Energy” assembly Tuesday afternoon.

“We all need to find ways to be efficient in our use of energy to help our natural resources last a long time,” said the National Energy Foundation’s Elena Clark.

“We’re not talking about stopping watching TV or living in a dark house,” added Laura Chabries. “We’re talking about finding ways to reduce your energy use.”

Among suggestions:

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and turn off all light switches when leaving a room.
• Get a programmable thermostat and set it for 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer.
• Beware of “phantom” electric loads by turning off TVs and computers and unplugging appliances and chargers when not in use.
• Lower the temperature on a hot water heater to between 120 and 130 degrees.
• Use microwaves, crock pots and toaster ovens … use lids to shorten cooking times and don’t open the oven door more often that is necessary
• Install high efficiency shower heads and use a timer to keep shower time to no more than 5 minutes.
• Wash clothes in cold water and only wash when there is a full load.
• Don’t run the dishwasher until it’s full.
• Use faucet aerators.
• Don’t let the water run too long.

“It all adds up,” Clark said.

Each student received a kit that included an energy efficient shower head, a shower timer, a kitchen aerator and CFL bulbs.