Adopted May 1981 – Reviewed and deemed relevant May 2016 – Revised November 2020 – Health & Community Concerns Commission
Energy conservation includes all efforts made to reduce the consumption of energy. Energy can be conserved by using energy more efficiently and by reducing unnecessary use. Safety and reducing the use of carbon-based energy sources are major goals related to energy conservation.
Energy conservation and reducing the use of carbon-based energy can result in improved environmental quality and lower energy. Energy can be conserved by reducing waste and improving efficiency through technological upgrades and improved operation and maintenance of existing processes.California State PTA recognizes that present conditions necessitate the development of alternative sources, conservation, and the setting of priorities for uses of energy. Decisions regarding the type and location of alternative energy sources have environmental, social, political, and economic consequences in communities. In the search for and development of energy alternatives, environmental factors must be balanced with energy needs to ensure present and future generations their right to live in a safe and healthy community.
California State PTA believes:
- Alternative sources of energy should be encouraged. PTAs at all levels should promote public awareness programs to keep their members and the community informed about current technological advances and proposed sites for energy generating facilities;
- The PTA should work with other community groups in developing the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to participate intelligently in the solution of short- and long-term energy problems;
- Each school should be urged to set an example of energy awareness, conservation and management;
- The PTA should encourage participation in communitywide public awareness education regarding the benefits of recycling; and
- Schools should be encouraged to implement the Education Code provisions concerning environmental instruction designed to teach students to value and conserve natural resources.
The California State PTA encourages parents to take measures that reduce short and long-term energy use and that improve the environment.
- Turn on lights only when needed and off when not needed.
- Replace incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. LED bulbs use significantly less energy and last much longer.
- Turn off electrical appliances that are not being used.
- Use your dishwasher and washer/dryer efficiently. Wash only full loads. Let dishes air dry. Avoid washing during peak hours (noon to 6 p.m. weekdays). Hang your laundry on the line to dry.
- Keep your refrigerator efficient. Vacuum the dust off the refrigerator coils (found in the back or underneath the unit) every 3 months – it uses less energy when clean. Turn on the energy saver switch, if you have one. Check the gaskets around the door and make sure it shuts tight.
- Don’t overfill your freezer. Overfilling your freezer doesn’t allow the cold air to efficiently circulate to keep the food cold, making your freezer work ever harder, which consumes more energy.
- Monitor your home’s temperature. During winter, keep your thermostat no higher than 68° F during the day and 55°F at night. Reduce the heating/cooling when you are not home. During summer, set the thermostat no lower than 75°F. Move shades and curtains to help heat or cool the house. Keep the windows and doors closed when the heat/cool is on. Seal window and door leaks with caulk and weather-stripping. Keep your water heater cozy. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket to improve efficiency. Turn its thermostat down to 120°F (140°F if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater). This saves energy and helps prevent hot water burns. Turn the setting to ‘VACATION’ when away for an extended time.
