Be Smart - Energy Conservation Information

Be Smart Mission Statement: To provide energy education to 6th grade students in the Lower Yakima Valley. Our goal is to educate, motivate, and empower students with the necessary tools to help their families use energy wisely. With students and parents working together to promote energy saving habits into their homes, they will ultimately experience savings in their energy costs.

Be Smart teaches 6th grade students, at all eight lower valley schools, about how to conserve energy. We spend three days with each student teaching them how to help their families save money on their power bills.

Day #1 Training day– students are given a job to become energy savers. The program provides each student with an energy saving kit that includes measures that will make their home more energy efficient.

Day #2 Station day– with hands on learning stations.

Day #3 Be Smart Jeopardy– our way of assessing what the students have learned and reinforcing what they may have missed.

For information on any of the NCAC programs please contact us. See our staff roster.

Here are some energy saving tips:

Heating Tips- Ideal thermostat temperature between 65°F and 68°F. Keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer.

Cooling Tips- Ideal temperature 78°F or higher and run a fan to circulate air.

Water Heating Tips- Set Temp. at 120°F. Take 5 minute showers. Fix water leaks. Insulate water pipes.

Lighting Tips- Install fluorescent light bulbs. Keep lights off when not in use and use task lighting.

Kitchen Tips- Set temp. of Refrigerator between 37°F to 40°F and Freezer at 0°F. Keep refrigerator door closed. Use microwave or other small appliances to cook instead of oven when possible. Run dishwasher when full, and rinse dishes in cold water.

Laundry Room Tips- Always run full loads. Wash clothes in warm or cold and rinse with cold water. When drying clean lint filter after every load and hang clothes outside when it is sunny.

Use Energy Star® Products!