Shaw Island School Promotes Energy Efficiency

When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to heating water.” By Sintayehu, 2nd grade

Shaw Island School primary class students attended a party sponsored by OPALCO for their terrific job in creating a 2013 Energy Conservation and Efficiency Calendar. Eight Shaw primary students, teacher Diane Clifton and NegaWatt Media’s Anita Orne, who assisted in the project, all participated in a field trip to the Funhouse Commons on Orcas Island to be recognized for their significant contribution to energy efficiency education.

The calendar includes helpful tips generated by the students such as Frankie’s (third grade) advice “Turn down your water heater to 120° F. You will not only save energy, you will avoid scalding your hands.” And, from Sophia (second grade): “Feeling a bit of a chill? Reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat! Heating accounts for the biggest portion of your utility bill.”

OPALCO Energy Services staff (in capes from left): Beth Anderson, Elisa Howard and Anne Bertino recognize students and teachers from Shaw Island School for their energy efficiency calendar.

OPALCO’s Energy Super Heroes (Energy Services staff members Beth Anderson, Anne Bertino and Elisa Howard) arrived in costume to award the students and instructors with OPALCO Energy Saver Super Hero Certificates. Following the recognition, OPALCO staff presented the class with a gift of the Lego© Simple & Motorized Mechanism Base Set kit complete with the Renewable Energy add-on module to further educate the young energy super heroes. To complete the day, the class enjoyed cupcakes, a tour of OPALCO’s Nissan Leaf electric car and outdoor play time before returning to Shaw.

OPALCO is printing a limited quantity of the Shaw Island School 2013 Energy Conservation and Efficiency Calendars to share with our members. They will be available soon, at no charge, at OPALCO offices and the Shaw General Store.  Be sure to pick one up while supplies last!

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) was founded in 1937 to empower members to improve their quality of life in our rural communities. OPALCO serves about 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County.

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