Energy Savings Tips: Kids’ Edition

I am a member of Project Envolve, which is sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities. I received compensation in exchange for sharing energy savings tips. All opinions are my own. #ProjectEnvolve #GetEnvolved

Project Envolve has been a passion project of mine for a few years now, and I’ve really gained a lot from working with PPL Electric to spread the word about energy savings nationwide. I’ve learned about energy saving technology, vampire electronics, how landscaping can help lower your electric bill, and ways to save both big and small. But of all the things I’ll take with me as Phase 2 of this team project comes to an end, the thing I’ll remember most is teaching my kids all the energy savings tips I’ve learned. Because in the end, the best way to leave a better planet behind for our kids is to teach them how to take care of it themselves, right? When you know better, you do better, and Project Envolve has definitely taught my whole family a whole lot of “better” when it comes to saving money, energy, and our environment. 

Energy Savings Tips for Kids

Some of the energy savings tips I’ve shared through this project have been seriously cool, but more geared toward the adult set. (Hello, home energy audit!) But, of the scads of info Project Envolve has sent my way, so much of it has been kid-friendly! So, to end this phase of our PE mission on an optimistic note, I’m listing my favorite energy saving tips that kids can understand and lend a hand with all on their own.

Travel Tips: Before you leave for that summer vacation, give the kids a checklist of potential energy-suckers to look for! Ask them to make sure curtains are closed to block the sun’s heat, and have them make a list of vampire electronics that need to be unplugged. (Bigger kids can do the unplugging, if they’re allowed.)

Holiday Tip: Choose energy-efficient holiday decorations. Glitter, sparkle and shine don’t use any electricity, and they can seriously amplify a string of light! Think mirrors, metallics, and this snowflake ornament tutorial that’s definitely kid-friendly.

Kids in the Kitchen: One of the safest way for kids to help out with the cooking is by utilizing the slow cooker. It’s easy for kids to add ingredients, and gets meals on the table without using a lot of power or heating up the house like the oven would. (I’m still in love with the decadent Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe I developed with energy savings in mind.)

Shut those doors! Give your little ones the task of keeping doors closed, both in the winter when heat is running, and in the summer when you certainly don’t need to waste AC power on rooms that aren’t being used. Little ones can understand the difference between hot and cold air, and giving them one simple task (like shutting doors) can pay off big time in both your bill and long-term household habits.

Never underestimate the power of unplugging. A jump rope, a kite, a simple pinwheel. What would childhood be without them? Much richer (and you will be too, because they don’t use anything but sheer kid power!)

For more energy savings tips for the whole family, kids included, type “Project Envolve” into the search bod in my sidebar. You’ll find all of my previous PE posts and a wealth of energy savings info to help you save all year long. And don’t miss Project Envolve on Pinterest for more info and inspiration.

Huge thanks to PPL Electric Utilities and the Project Envolve Team for inviting me along on such a fun educational journey. Our house will truly never be the same!