In addition to helping out homeowners around Eau Claire, we are also expanding our services to performing energy assessments on local businesses.  Businesses often have even more to gain from conserving energy than houses do, money-wise as well as to set a good example in the community.  So far this summer we’ve visited Infinitea Teahouse and the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, and we’re hoping these are among the first of many businesses in the area who will benefit from our cause.  “I hope we were able to give back even half of what they give to our community!”, says Jenna Tudahl.

Emily checking the lightbulbs at Infinitea Teahouse.

Peggy checking the settings on a break-room fridge.

Damir, Angie & Jenna writing energy-saving recommendations for the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic.

On Thursday, July 7, we had our launch event at the Bolton Refuge House here in Eau Claire.  Bolton is a community organization which offers safety, support, and education for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.  Not only did we perform an assessment on the shelter itself, but we also left behind plenty of tips sheets for the women at the shelter to use in their future houses or apartments.  These are some of the people who are most in need—and most deserving—our services, and we all agreed that it was wonderful to be able to help them out! 

 It's important to keep appliances plugged into a power strip so they can be easily shut off when not in use. 

We gaves tips to both the women living at the shelter as well as those who worked there.

On May 23^rd-26^th, we visited several classrooms in Clear Lake, Menomonie, La Crosse, Altoona and right here in Eau Claire to teach kids about energy!  We had a blast playing “energy charades” with the kids, teaching them how electricity travels from the power plants all the way to their homes and why it’s important to unplug their appliances when they’re done using them. 

We were all impressed with how much the kids already knew about energy, and how excited they were to take on the challenge of reducing energy consumption in the future! 

Our group outside a school in Clear Lake, WI.

Peggy teaching some kids how to play Energy Charades.

Emily teaching the kids about where energy comes from.