We have part time AmeriCorps positions available this summer to help make Wisconsin more energy efficient. Upon completion of a term of service, you'll receive a scholarship you can put towards school or pay off student loans. Space is limited, apply today.
Have a little free time this summer? Whether you have an hour a week or an hour over the course of the season, you can do something to help make Wisconsin more energy efficient! No experience necessary. By signing up, we'll be able to let you know about various volunteer opportunities.
1) Turn off lights when leaving your room, lounge, or the bathroom.
2) If you can, set your thermostat lower in the winter. Lowering the setting by just 1 degree saves 3% on your monthly heating bill.
3) If you have a desk lamp, switch out an incandescent bulb for a curly compact fluorescent light bulb—it will use about 75% less energy and last 6-10 times longer!
4) Remember, a screen saver is not an energy saver. Enable energy saving settings on your computer (visit climatesaverscomputing.org for instructions). Turn off your computer when it’s not in use.
5) Make sure heat registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate freely.
6) During cold weather, take advantage of the sun’s warmth and light by keeping drapes open during the day. Close shades on cold nights to retain heat. Close shades during the day in warm weather months to keep sun out.
7) Many consumer electronics use energy even when switched off. Unplug them when not in use. Or, use a power strip as a central “turn off” point for your electronic equipment—flipping the switch cuts the electricity flowing to the devices.
8) Take shorter showers to save water & energy used to heat the water.
9) Wash clothing in cold water (about 80% of the energy used to wash our laundry is just for heating the water) & hang dry when possible.
10) If using a dryer, don’t over dry your clothes. A dryer operating an extra 15 minutes per load can cost you up to $34 each year. For dryer efficiency, clean the lint trap before each load.
11) Adjust the temperature in your mini fridge. For fresh food, set to 38-40 degrees, for the freezer, 0-5 (usually the middle setting).
Lots of Students Will Be Moving Into Their First Apartments This Summer Or Fall...Check Out Our Top Tips For Easy Energy Savings At Home!
Our Top Tips For Saving Energy In Apartments:
1) Turn off lights when leaving any room. 2) Set your thermostat lower in the winter. Lowering the setting by just 1 degree saves 3% on your monthly heating bill. Set your thermostat higher in the summer--or avoid using the AC all together. 3) Switch out incandescent bulbs for curly compact fluorescent light bulbs—they will use about 75% less energy and last 6-10 times longer! 4) Remember, a screen saver is not an energy saver. Enable energy saving settings on your computer (visit climatesaverscomputing.org for instructions). Turn off and unplug your computer when it’s not in use. 5) Make sure heat registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate freely. 6) During cold weather, take advantage of the sun’s warmth and light by keeping drapes open during the day. Close shades on cold nights to retain heat. Close shades during the day in warm weather months to keep sun out. 7) Many consumer electronics use energy even when switched off. Unplug them when not in use. Or, use a power strip as a central “turn off” point for your electronic equipment—flipping the switch cuts the electricity flowing to the devices. 8) Take shorter showers to save water & energy used to heat the water. 9) Wash clothing in cold water (about 80% of the energy used to wash our laundry is just for heating the water) & hang dry when possible. 10) If using a dryer, don’t over dry your clothes. A dryer operating an extra 15 minutes per load can cost you up to $34 each year. For dryer efficiency, clean the lint trap before each load. 11) Adjust the temperature in your fridge. For fresh food, set to 38-40 degrees, for the freezer, 0-5 degrees (usually the middle setting).
Madison Chapter Goals
We are dedicated to helping people tap into solutions to reduce their energy use. Together, we can make Dane County more energy efficient--saving energy, money and the environment all at the same time. This year students will help achieve some big goals. During the 2012 spring semester, we plan to:
-Educate 1,400 K-12 students about energy conservation in local classrooms.
-Conduct 200 free energy assessments, providing home owners and renters with recommendations for saving energy.
-Run numerous community service and education events to promoteenergy efficiency within the UW-Madison community andaround Dane County.
UW Madison Meeting Times
We will not be holding out weekly meeting during the summer. Please check back fall semester for the weekly meeting time and location.
