Raise Awareness, Reduce Consumption
This post is a part of a series showcasing Silicon Valley organizations that champion positive change in our community.
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With our environment threatened by the depletion of affordable energy sources, Silicon Valley nonprofit Acterra is putting its energy into finding solutions. And Acterra believes that knowledge is power – when people learn about better energy consumption strategies, they tend to embrace a more energy-efficient lifestyle and educate others to do the same.
Acterra manages several, solutions-oriented programs to promote environmental consciousness at the local level. The nonprofit engages thousands of Bay Area volunteers every year, adults and youth alike, who are interested in giving back in a green way.
Craig Rush offered his time and expertise for one such volunteer opportunity, Acterra’s Green@Home program. This program addresses homeowners’ energy problems (and solutions) in an extremely direct manner, through "house calls" where volunteers conduct energy audits and offer tips for reducing consumption. From electricity to gas and water, there are ways to save energy without compromising one’s lifestyle and Acterra wants Silicon Valley residents to know about them. Volunteers leave homeowners with an evaluation of their energy use; a helpful green to-do list; and the knowledge that everybody can do something to lessen their environmental footprint.
Check out this insightful video clip to see Sid Espinosa, director of citizenship at Microsoft Silicon Valley, work with a Green@Home volunteer to conduct an energy audit of his own home. The findings are indeed interesting, but what you may find even more encouraging is how simple Acterra’s solutions are. This micro-documentary will leave you feeling like you, too, can be an agent of environmental change in your community.
Inspired to support this nonprofit? "Like" this video clip and encourage members of your social network to also "like" it to increase Acterra’s chance at winning the Microsoft Video Challenge.