Murray students learn to be energy efficient

Murray fifth-graders are becoming more energy efficient and are having fun doing so with the help of the Jazz Bear.

“We learned if you take showers too long, it’s a waste of water and if we’re quicker, we save a ton of water,” 10-year-old Viewmont student Sydney Livingston said. “We learned that we can save electricity with a certain type of light bulb; we can recycle paper and it can turn into other uses of power; we should re-use our grocery bags. Everything we can do will make a difference.”

Sydney and her classmates learned these and other tips during a presentation entitled “Think! Energy Utah — Take Action at Home.” The program, which is a partnership between the National Energy Foundation, Murray City Power, and the Utah Jazz Green Team, emphasizes energy efficiency and instructs students at Murray elementary schools about actions they can take, Murray Power Energy Services Manager Dan Stireman said.

Through the presentation, students learned about renewable and non-renewable natural resources, and that Murray is the only community in the Salt Lake Valley that converts landfill waste into electrical power. They also learned how energy is generated from coal and enters homes through circuits.

National Energy Foundation presenters Rachel Crosswhite and Michelle McDonough stressed points and terms which were critical in a game they played with students. Most importantly, they hoped students learned some key points.

They stressed that temperatures in homes during the day shouldn’t exceed 68 degrees and at night, 62 degrees. They told students to make sure they have a programmable thermometer in their homes and to help their families change furnace filters every three months.

They offered practical advice: use a high-efficiency shower head and take a shorter shower; turn off the water when brushing teeth; use more sunlight; replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights); run the dishwasher when its full; close the refrigerator door; turn off the computer; shut off the power strip when not in use; wash clothes in cold water.

“In other words, reduce, reuse and recycle,” McDonough said. “We’re moms and we want our own children to know how they’re impacting the earth. We already have seen changes in terms of recycling, but we can do more. If these kids take some simple steps like turning off lights, unplugging chargers and iPods, then their parents and their own kids will learn from them.”

The presenters left students with a home survey to compete as well as a take action booklet. When at least 80 percent of the surveys are completed, teachers are able to turn them in and can receive $50 for classroom use.

“Learning about electricity, how it’s generated, renewable and nonrenewable, circuits — is part of the fifth-grade state core curriculum,” fifth-grade teacher Leigh Nelsen said.

Fifth-grade Kristin Loulias said they have established a base for which to build upon.

“This is a memorable presentation that will stick with them and they’ll have an easier time recalling it since it was fun as well as educational,” she said.