August is in full swing, and if you happen to find yourself in Texas, you know this means the heat is at an all-time high. In a state where daily temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and hesitate to drop below 80 at night, things can get exceptionally sweaty and discomforting very quickly. Once you combine these circumstances with increasing energy costs, keeping your home comfortable without sacrificing your hard-earned savings can seem like an impossible feat. Thankfully, we have just the right tips and tricks for you to beat the heat without breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn more! 

Our homes are built to keep us sheltered from the weather, and with the help of an AC system, most can do their job exceptionally well. But did you know that making some slight adjustments can enhance your house's ability to keep you comfortable? 

Insulate 

After going through all the previous steps, it can be very frustrating for all your hard work to go out the window (literally). All the little cracks and holes on the edges of your doors and windows don't just let unwanted critters inside; they make it easy for cool air to escape. By properly insulating your home, you create a barrier that prevents this from happening while helping block the entry of hot outdoor air, keeping your home cooler naturally. Ultimately, the upfront cost of insulation pays off by delivering long-term energy savings, making your home more energy-efficient, and providing you with a more comfortable and cost-effective living environment during the summer season. So seal any leaks in your ducts; you can even install energy-efficient windows to ensure your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. 

Cook strategically 

One of the most fun strategies to implement when taking on the summer heat is in the kitchen. Avoid using the stove and oven during peak heat hours of the day. Instead, use these appliances when the windows are open, and the hot air can more easily escape. You can use these seasons to expand your repertoire of recipes, avoiding recipes that require lots of heat. For those who love a good barbeque, you can also make the most of the summer evening by taking out the grill. Meal Prep outside once a week to keep the heat out of your home altogether. 

Upgrade your appliances

Upgrading your appliances can yield substantial summer savings. Modern, energy-efficient appliances use less electricity, such as air conditioners that efficiently cool your home while reducing power consumption. They often come with smart features, allowing remote control and optimizing usage during lower-cost periods. While these appliances may have a higher initial cost, they offer long-term savings by consuming less energy, making them a financially wise choice. Beyond the financial benefits, energy-efficient appliances also reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Want more tips to save money by saving energy? Watt Watchers is the number one resource for all things energy education and savings. Visit our website here to discover amazing activities and more tips and tricks to save energy. 

Concrete is one of the most commonly consumed products on the planet, second only to water. 4.4 billion tons are produced annually and is projected to increase to 5.5 billion by 2050. Its durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness have made it a go-to for builders for centuries. Structures made from concrete can last for generations. But at what cost? If you've read our blog on The Truth About Concrete and The Environment, you know there are plenty of reasons to make the switch to more eco-friendly alternatives. From the excessive carbon emissions produced throughout the manufacturing process to its water intensity, the obstacles created by concrete production are beginning to outweigh the benefits of the end product. So what else can builders use? Keep reading to find out!

Mycelium 

A mycelium is a web of fungal threads and strands, also known as hyphae. In nature, their function is similar to that of the roots of a tree in that they dig into the soil surrounding the fungi, breaking down the organic matter to extract nutrients that then go to both the fungi and surrounding plants. 

Mycelium is interesting because it is an abundant renewable resource that can create sustainable, organic, and sturdy building materials like blocks or panels. To accomplish this, builders combine the mycelium with clean, organic waste, such as corn stalks or sawdust, and encourage them to grow in a specific shape. The final product is then dried, resulting in materials that are biodegradable, lightweight, fire resistant, and provide excellent insulation. 

Unlike concrete, mycelium materials don't require high temperatures or energy-intensive manufacturing processes. They can grow in ambient conditions with just a little moisture and the proper nutrients, allowing for a significantly lower carbon footprint and energy consumption during production. Additionally, mycelium is biodegradable and compostable. When it reaches the end of its useful life, it can simply be returned to the earth, where it can break down naturally. 

Rammed Earth 

Rammed earth is a construction technique that utilizes natural materials like soil, clay, sand, and gravel. This mix of ingredients is packed tightly into formwork or giant molds layer by layer, compressing it as much as possible with a mechanical rammer. Once it's all compacted, it is left to dry and harden naturally.

This technique is better for the environment for several reasons. It uses abundant and locally sourced materials, reducing transportation emissions. Additionally, suppose a builder wants to change things up. In that case, they can simply deconstruct the rammed earth walls and use the materials again. Rammed earth is also super durable and can withstand the elements very well, reducing the need to keep rebuilding and using more resources. To make things better, this unique material has excellent thermal properties. It acts like a natural insulator, keeping you cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. 

Hempcrete 

Hempcrete is a bio-composite construction material made from the hurd, the hemp plant's inner woody core, and a lime-based binder. The hemp hurd is mixed with water and the lime binder to create a pasty mixture that can be packed or poured into wall forms, similar to concrete. Over time, the hempcrete cures and hardens, resulting in a solid and long-lasting structure. Hemp is a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly without synthetic pesticides or herbicides. These plants offer a distinct environmental advantage because, unlike concrete, which emits co2 throughout its production, hemp absorbs significant carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its growth, acting as a carbon sink and contributing to carbon sequestration.

As a building material, hempcrete offers excellent insulation properties. Its porous structure allows for breathability, regulating humidity and reducing the reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. Additionally, hempcrete is lightweight, reducing the heavy machinery and equipment needed. To make things better, hempcrete is non-toxic. It doesn't release harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, making it the perfect material to infill existing structures, providing a greener alternative for renovation projects. 

Finite 

When it comes to ingredients, traditional concrete is particularly harmful because it relies on specific types of sand, leading to the overexploitation of riverbeds and coastal areas. Traditional concrete also requires an extensive heating process, which is highly energy intensive and releases significant greenhouse gas emissions. Contrastingly, finite utilizes desert sand to make building blocks, which is plentiful and often underutilized. Unlike cement, its manufacturing process involves minimal energy input, reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. 

As a building material, Finite blocks are beneficial because they contain natural insulating characteristics, helping regulate temperature and reduce the need for energy consumption in heating or cooling buildings. To make things even better, finite blocks can be easily dismantled and repurposed at the end of a building's life cycle, promoting a circular economy approach by reducing waste and allowing for the reuse of materials. Finally, Finite's utilization of desert sand aids in land restoration efforts. By repurposing sand from arid regions, Finite contributes to rehabilitating desert areas, offering the potential for ecological restoration and revitalizing degraded landscapes.

Smart Energy Education strives to create a more sustainable world through energy and water education. If you are looking to learn more about how to make a positive difference in the environment, are interested in energy careers, or would like to participate in some fun energy activities, visit us at Smart Energy Education and Watt Watchers!

Coral reefs are often associated with white sandy beaches, uniquely patterned fish, and brightly colored corals just below the water's surface. We think of corals as the finishing touch to a tropical paradise full of crystal-clear ocean water. But did you know that coral reefs are some of the most complex ecosystems on the planet? The many different types of corals that exist can be found in both shallow, clear water as well as murky, deep, cool water and are responsible for supporting the life of millions of organisms and marine life. In fact, scientists estimate that there are millions of undiscovered species that could be the key to the development of revolutionary medications for everything from cancer and viruses to bacterial infections. 

The Great Barrier Reef alone contains over 400 species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 different species of mollusks. The coral triangle, the most biodiverse coral reef on the planet, is home to 30% of the world's reefs, 37% of the world's coral reef fish, six of the seven marine turtle species, blue whales, sperm whales, 600 different species of corals, and more. In addition to their biodiversity, coral reefs provide an important layer of protection to coastal communities by absorbing the impact of the waves crashing on the coast, reducing the damage caused by storms.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are also highly delicate ecosystems. Human activities have proved detrimental to their survival. For example, without certain levels of grazing fish to keep algae from overgrowing, the corals are unable to obtain the nutrients needed to thrive in their environment, impacting their health significantly. This makes overfishing and using explosives to kill many fish at once extremely destructive to the reef, making it even more difficult for it to grow and thrive. Cruise ships, dredging, and land development similarly carve corals from the ground to make room for docks and alter the landscape. To complicate matters even more, the beauty of corals has become a popular aesthetic. Consequently, leading to their removal for aquariums, jewelry, and at times recreational misuse through touching and breaking during swimming and snorkeling. 

It's also important to remember that there are harmful activities we participate in daily far from the shore that make it extremely difficult for coral reefs to grow and thrive—primarily CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and plastic waste. As CO2 is released into the atmosphere, it cannot escape due to the greenhouse effect. The excess CO2 then causes excess heat, which is absorbed primarily by the world's oceans. Corals are impacted because they have more difficulty creating new coral in this warmer environment. At the same time, the excess CO2 itself also gets absorbed into the planet's oceans. This phenomenon leads to ocean acidification. Shell builders like oysters and corals rely on creating new skeletons and shells by combining calcium and carbonate from their environment. However, as the ocean's acidity increases, it becomes nearly impossible for the shells and skeletons to form. 

Communities worldwide rely on the biodiversity of coral reefs for food, tourism, and recreation. With an estimated 100 million dollar value, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. fisheries from coral reefs are a significant source of income for people around the globe. They are an essential part of the economy and the ecosystem and should be protected at all costs.  

For more information on energy and the impact of human activities on the environment, visit Resourcefulness.org, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. If you really want to make a difference, discover amazing energy-related careers and activities through Smart Energy Education and Watt Watchers

Why should we care about water?

As is discussed frequently in Smart Energy Education, water and energy share a unique and important relationship. We need energy to access water, and we need water to access energy. This connection, otherwise known as the energy-water nexus, is a pillar in our societies and intimately impacts the comfortability of our lives. We use water for everything from hygiene, cleaning, and watering our lawns to the cooling of the power plants that provide us with electricity and industrial processes that manufacture the products we love. Not to mention the water used to create energy through methods like hydroelectric dams. 

Additionally, water plays a key role in the health and balance of the environment. For example, as the water around the equator warms up and the water from the glaciers at the Earth's poles melts, the warm water rises to the ocean's surface, and the cold water sinks to the bottom, causing the ocean currents to come to life. These currents are then responsible for transporting warm water and carbon dioxide (which the ocean also absorbs from the atmosphere) more evenly around the globe. 

However, as greenhouse gas emissions increase the hot air and carbon dioxide trapped in the atmosphere, the excess heat absorbed by the ocean's water can warm up the glacial water to abnormally high temperatures, keeping it from sinking as it usually would. Consequently, ocean currents can slow down or even cease movement altogether. This can cause changes in weather conditions and rising sea levels, leading to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and abnormal rain patterns. 

For these reasons, having a clear representation of where our water is, how much there is, where it is and where it will be in the future is essential to provide communities with a much-needed advantage. 

What is the NASA SWOT Mission? 

71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water. Yet, despite our water resources' constant influence on our lives, data regarding water quantities are limited. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission is set to help NASA provide the very first global surface water survey. Through a satellite, researchers will be able to do everything from measuring the height of the water found on the Earth's surface, including bodies of freshwater like rivers and lakes as well as the ocean, to collecting data on ocean features, specifically those less than sixty miles across. The spacecraft will even be able to observe in three dimensions the entire length of rivers wider than 330 feet. Additionally, they will be able to gather information on how global warming influences freshwater reservoirs, rivers, and lakes—allowing communities to better prepare in case of water-related natural disasters. 

The mission, set to launch on Thursday, December 15th, has been taken on with the help of an international and multidisciplinary team including NASA, Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), along with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and United Kingdom Space Agency. Once launched, it will initiate one of the most in-depth investigations of the world's water resources in history. 

In the face of climate change, increasing energy consumption, and an increasing population, the location, and accessibility of these essential water resources is crucial. If you are interested in learning more about water and energy, go to Smart Energy Education and Watt Watchers for resources, blogs, activities, and more! To learn more about the SWOT mission, visit their website here.

Asking students to be mindful about energy and waste begins by teaching them the benefits of conservation. Learning about the Water / Energy Nexus and then conducting in-school or at-home energy audits are great ways to start!

Why Learn About Energy Efficiency?

Teaching students about energy efficiency goes a long way to reinforce a lifetime of positive habits. Plus, it’s everyone responsibility - no matter how young or how old - to learn about energy and water conservation to help save the Earth.

Practical Lessons on Energy Efficiency

Resourcefulness: An Introduction to the Water Energy Nexus has a range of exciting lessons and energy literacy materials that introduce middle and high school students to the idea of energy conservation and how energy use impacts the environment - and our utility bills. Students can learn about renewable and non-renewable energy and energy’s impact on the environment. And if students are motivated, they can register for certificate of completion at the end of the eCourse. 

For younger students we encourage to look at the plethora of lessons, games, and activities from the Watt Watchers program. And best of all, all resources are 100% free.

Creating Energy-efficient Homes

Teaching children to understand energy conservation is a great way to have them embrace smart energy best practices. To learn more about energy conservation and how to get students involved, reach out to us today!

Save Your Energy, Save Your Money

What Causes High Electric Bills?

You might be wondering “why is my power bill so high?”

Various shifts and global trends contribute to the rise of electric bills around the world. People continually think about this problem because they seek to conserve energy while staying productive and consuming energy. Still, these energy bills keep rising on some level. 

Several factors contribute to energy bills from demand, supply, infrastructure, and your provider. Of course, there are some aspects of this equation you can control, and some that you cannot.

Unfortunately, not everyone fully understands what makes their bills so high and why they might sharply rise over time. If they do not know why it occurs, they will have no idea how to control it. Hence, they wonder what causes their extremely high electric bills. Here are a few points to consider when thinking about energy use and high electric bills.

What Contributes to High Costs On Your Electric Bill?

Contrary to popular belief, the appliances contributing the most to high electric bills are not multiple light switches turned on simultaneously. Now, it certainly helps to turn light bulbs off after use, but it may not be the key contributor to the high electric bill.

So, if it’s not the lights, why is your bill so high?

Air Conditioners

Air-conditioners use a significant amount of energy and contribute to high electricity bills. Your air conditioning will certainly keep you cool in the hot months, but it comes at a cost. They are responsible for roughly 12% of home energy spending. Your bill may vary depending on your overall usage. But, finding ways to minimize use is better for the environment and better for your wallet.

Water Heaters

A close second in the race for high energy costs your water heater. From warming our water during extreme cold, or just using water for baths and showers throughout the years, we use our water heaters all year long. 

Like with air conditioners, water heaters use a significant amount of energy. But, skipping baths, taking shorter showers, and using energy-efficient water heaters can help you save energy and save money over time.

Vampire Appliances

Have you heard of vampire appliances? These are appliances that you may not use frequently but still keep plugged into your walls. For instance, phone chargers and laptop chargers, and other items can continue to draw energy while not in use. It is important to note where all your devices are plugged in - make a map of your home and draw where each outlet is located. Then, add a note to say what devices are plugged in. It all adds up fast, so if you want to quickly reduce your energy consumption, unplug any device that is not in use. 

Why Is My Electric Bill So High All Of A Sudden in 2021?

Although utility prices always fluctuate, there has been a rise in costs due to COVID-19. With so many people working from home and using more technology (such as video meetings), this of course impacts home energy use and contributes to higher electricity costs.

Working from home can also increase your use of heavier appliances in your homes during peak hours (the hours when we demand the most energy), such as air conditioners, water heaters, TVs, and dishwashers.

The more time you spend in your home, the more you may turn to energy consumption in various ways. You may keep the lights on, watch television for longer, take long warmer showers, and conduct other activities that may lead to higher bills. Further, you may take up more activities (such as cooking) and other activities that you did less often in the past, which may also contribute to a higher bill.

How Can I Stop My Electric Bill Being So High?

High electric bills are an inconvenience to anyone. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your electric bill drastically. 

They are:

How Can I Reduce My Electric Bill Long Term?

Reducing your electric bills can take time. However, these two suggestions can help to achieve that goal:

Lowering your home energy bill use requires some patience and persistence, but monitoring how you use energy and managing your use will significantly help you to reduce your bills now and over time.

There are many ways to reduce the impact fuel consumption has on the environment and improve our ways of living. Many of these methods are simple, easy adjustments that you may barely notice but could have a huge, positive impact on the environment!

What is Fuel Consumption?

The first thing to fully understand is what exactly fuel consumption means to begin to rethink the way we use fuel every day. Fuel consumption means the amount of energy that is needed to complete an action. 

This can include anything from driving to work to running errands - and you may be contributing to fuel consumption without even realizing it. On a personal level, individuals' actions impact fuel consumption through four distinct categories: private transportation, food, shopping, and travel.

Let's explore each of those, in turn, to see where we can work to reduce fuel consumption and positively impact our environment!

Personal Transportation

Whether you are driving the kids to school in the morning or going grocery shopping, the fuel you use in your vehicle contributes to fuel consumption. 

It is second nature to hop in the car and head off to their destination every day for many people. We have to go to work, get the kids to school, run errands, and do many other things that may require vehicle transportation. 

How can we reduce the amount of fuel we consume daily when there are places we need to go and things we need to do?

There are a few ways to reduce your fuel consumption while driving. Conserve gas when in motion by coasting downhill and remove excess weight from your trunk to improve fuel efficiency. 

If possible, try to organize a carpool with co-workers or your children's classmates. Rather than bringing their child to school every day, every parent takes turns bringing a group in one car. 

Take public transportation or ride a bike, if possible, to work or run errands, and try to remember not to let your car idle for more than 10 seconds. Turn the car off to save emissions.

Food

For most people in the United States, a weekly (at least) trip to the grocery store is relatively standard. Chain groceries and other big-box retailers make it very convenient to shop for everything you need in one place, but this is often at a high fuel consumption rate. 

The grocery items at these groceries likely have many "food miles" on them because they have been delivered from places all over the country. 

Consider buying locally-made organic food and shopping at locally-owned grocery stores, farmer's markets, or co-ops to reduce this fuel consumption. Organic farming uses less energy than conventional or industrial farms. 

Meat production also uses a high level of fuel and energy, so it is recommended to reduce the amount of meat you consume. Trying to grow your vegetables and herbs and planning out your weekly meals can also reduce the number of times you have to go to the grocery store.

Shopping

Shopping has never been easier than it is in our modern era. Online shopping provides consumers with an easy way to buy the items they need or shop for loved ones on special occasions without ever leaving the house - this can be great for personal fuel consumption. 

Still, just like "food miles," those packages have to be shipped from across the country or the world. When shopping, consider opting for slower shipping methods and bundling multiple items in the same delivery to increase your positive impact. 

This prevents excess fuel to be used for the practical delivery of individual items. If you're out running errands, that is a great reason to tackle an in-store pickup rather than delivery for an item or be able to shop at a local store where the products likely have reduced fuel consumption for their production.

Travel

Traveling, exploring new places, and seeing extraordinary things can be fun, but travel fuel consumption can be relatively high. When traveling, reduce your fuel consumption and take some extra time to plan your trip in more eco-friendly ways. 

Flying direct rather than layovers reduces the fuel used in takeoff and landing, staying close to home and exploring the places around you can be fun and less fuel-intensive, renting a hybrid or electric vehicle eliminates most of your need for fuel, and opting to take the train rather than a car is very eco-friendly. 

Avoid cruises since they emit more CO2 per passenger per kilometer than commercial flights, and utilize public transportation at your destination to save fuel.

Take The Quiz!

Sustainable America, an environmental non-profit organization with the mission to make the nation's food and fuel systems more efficient and resilient, recently featured the Watt Watchers of Texas program

They have also developed a short, easy quiz that can help you identify ways that you can work to reduce your fuel consumption. The quiz covers the four categories discussed above and asks simple questions based on your typical activities for those categories. 

When you are done, the quiz will show you your least impact on fuel consumption and where you consume the most. Sustainable America also has even more tips for you to try as you work to be more fuel-efficient to help reduce the impact on the environment. 

Take the quiz here, and help save more by using less fuel.

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