DPU Water and Energy Conservation Coordinator Abbey Hayward shows off the Resource Conservation BINGO card as well as the energy sustainability resources available to check out through the Library of Things. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
One of the best ways to learn is to experience things first-hand and through the collaboration between Los Alamos County Library System and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), residents are being given a great lesson on energy sustainability.
DPU Water and Energy Conservation Coordinator Abbey Hayward teamed up with Senior Librarian of Community Engagement Eva Jacobson to expand the County Library’s Library of Things Program. The two decided to launch the new partnership with a Resource Conservation BINGO game.
Hayward explained the BINGO game kicked off April 22 during the Earth Day Festival at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. However, BINGO cards can still be picked up inside the Municipal Building as well as the Los Alamos and White Rock libraries. Similarly, completed cards can be returned to the same locations. The game will continue through July 8, which is Discovery Day for ScienceFest.
On that day, Hayward said a drawing will be held at 1 p.m. for DPU and Library-sponsored grand prizes, which are a portable induction stovetop and a reading gift basket including a gift card to Samizdat. There will be 10 runner-up prizes, which include solar-powered phone charger banks, DPU mugs and other items.
Hayward said the game works the same way as any BINGO game, people need to complete five items in a straight line. Items range from reading an energy-themed book and attending a Board of Public Utilities meeting to riding a bike for a day and donating and buying from a thrift store.
“We tried to put a whole bunch of activities (so) people would get out and try a bunch of them,” she said.
If people need some help, resources are included on the flip side of the card.
Hayward added that 30 different cards were created, and a 1,000 cards were printed. People are welcome to complete more than one card, but can only win once.
The sustainability lessons don’t stop with the BINGO game. Hayward said DPU partnered with the libraries to offer take-home energy conservation resources through the County Library System’s Library of Things.
For one week, library patrons can check out either a portable induction cooktop or a Kill-A-Watt Power Meter or – coming soon – a thermal camera.
Kill-A-Watt Power Meters, according to a DPU press release, are designed to show, in real time, what an electric device is costing in dollars and watts. These units are preset to DPU residential electric rates but can be adjusted for other customer types. Plug the devices into the Kill-A-Watt, to reveal if any are energy vampires driving up utility bills. Meanwhile, thermal imaging cameras perform a thermal audit to detect differences in temperature. Plus, use the FLIR Home Inspect App to evaluate windows, doors and walls to look for leaks in seals and for areas lacking insulation.
An induction stove uses magnets rather than gas to heat and cook food. The electro-magnetic power makes induction stovetops 90 percent more efficient compared to gas stoves, which are 30 percent efficient.
Hayward explained by checking out these items, people can test out an induction stove and perform energy audits in their homes.
Plus, these tools give more power to people to determine what they would like to improve rather than relying solely on an energy auditor’s advice, she added.
“We are getting people hands-on experience to shift as their budget, comfort and time allows,” Hayward said.
This could be just the beginning, she said, adding “We’re really excited to see where these tools go. What else can we get out there?”
To help assist people on how to use these items, Hayward said demonstrations are being held. One was held at Mesa Public Library and a second is 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6 at the White Rock Branch Library.
Learning about energy efficiency in the home first-hand is effective, she said.
“I’m a firm believer that you learn a lot by doing things hands-on … having physical evidence in front of you is really swaying,” Hayward said.
It has been great collaborating with the libraries on this program, she said. The libraries’ Library of Things already had numerous items available for checkout including yoga kits and a telescope. Hayward said it’s a win-win: the library expands its collection and DPU reaches a wider audience.
“That’s why we are really excited to partner with the libraries.” Hayward said.
Need more information? EnergyStar and Energy.gov provide step-by-step assessments for consumers and suggestions for energy efficiency improvements based on results. DPU provides short browser links to these assessments at ladpu.com/estar-audit and ladpu.com/egov-DIY. Lastly, if assistance is needed to interpret any results or get more information call, 505.662.8333.