ENGAGE

The theme for this year is ENGAGE, an action meaning, to occupy the attention or efforts of a person or persons, attract and hold fast, to pledge one’s word. As applied to SEE, it means to involve the whole school in a collective effort to save energy.

SEE and SAVE

SEE and SAVE is the new awareness campaign for this fall as we enter year two of the SEE program here in the Prior Lake Savage Area School District. New posters will be appearing in the buildings and we will begin implementing more energy saving strategies district-wide.  Stay tuned for the details of what all lies ahead...

Unplugging to Save Energy

Earlier this summer our superintendent, Dr. Gruver, removed the mini refrigerator from her office to be compliant with the district's new energy policy. With the district-wide removal of personal appliances, in addition to saving energy, the avoided energy costs will definitely add up and make a difference.  Thanks to everyone for doing their part!

Beat the Heat

Here are some ways to save energy during these warm summer months...

Using ceiling fans to circulate air will make you feel cooler and possibly allow you to raise the temperature setting on your AC thermostat by a few degrees. But be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room, because fans cool people, not rooms.

Clean or replace central AC system filters monthly – and window unit filters even more frequently.

Shift energy-intensive household chores such as laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours – nights, mornings, weekends – when there is less strain on the power grid, and operate these units with full loads to get the most for your energy dollars.

Plug energy leaks with weather stripping and caulking and be sure your house is properly insulated to save up to 20 percent on cooling (and winter heating) bills.

Thanks for asking!

A district employee emailed the following: "Does washing dishes by hand use less energy than running an electric dishwasher?"

Thanks to current technology, running a dishwasher actually uses less energy than washing dishes by hand. According to a recent Ohio State University study, energy-efficient models use about six fewer gallons of water per load than you would use washing the same number of dishes by hand. Using six fewer gallons of water means heating six fewer gallons of water thus saving energy.

Another study at the University of Bonn in Germany has proven that an efficient dishwasher uses only half the energy, one-sixth of the water and less soap than hand washing. This study also rated the cleanliness achieved and found in favor of the machine verses washing by hand.

Thanks for asking! Keep those questions coming.