The Green Cup Challenge is an effort undertaken by nearly 150 schools nationwide to reduce their consumption of electricity during the month of February. As most electricity is generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, reduction in electricity use translates as less demand for fossil fuels to generate the electricity. In a real, measurable way, participating schools can reduce the effects of global climate change that is linked to combustion of fossil fuels, and the production of green house gases such as CO2.

Beginning January 26, Salisbury will monitor their energy consumption by weekly meter readings as compared to the average electricity usage for February over the past three years. The school that demonstrates the greatest change in electrical consumption (also based upon square footage of buildings and school population) will win!

As this is based upon population of our campus and square footage of buildings, each individual can have a tremendous role in reducing use. Cultivating common sense habits and lifestyles around electrical use will bring about dramatic reductions. Practice the following:

-Most classrooms are “overlit." Turn on fewer lights. Put tape over switches that are not needed.
- Turn out lights in hallways and rooms when you exit.
- “Sleep” your computer at night or when not in use.
- Unplug appliances (and chargers!)  not in use to curtail “ghost” power to those appliances.
- Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs.
- Share refrigerator use; unplug refrigerators not in use.
- Use power strips.
- Lessen consumption of hot water for showers, washing, etc.

To learn more about the Green Cup Challenge, visit the Green Schools Alliance Web site.