Suggested Tools

In implementing the Living Green Tenant Conservation Program, the Network Green Housing Initiative came across many tools that can help explore and illuminate concepts within energy and water conservation. We used many of them in our Lesson Plans, but they are also good tools to have around in general, for tenant education as well as staff use.

The kilowatt meter

The kilowatt meter is a device that can tell you the amount of electricity that different appliances use in various modes. For instance, you can find out how much energy your air conditioning unit uses when it is set to low cool versus high cool versus fan, or add up the vampire power that your devices are wasting. The kilowatt meter is sold by several different companies for around $20 or less; learn more here. Check out our lesson plans for suggestions on how to use the kilowatt meter in tenant education efforts.

Drip counter

The drip counter is a small vial that helps you measure the long-term effect of small drips in your faucet. Just put the vial under a leaking faucet for 5 seconds so it collects the dripping water. Use the guidelines on the vial to determine the amount of water that would be wasted over a period of one day and one year. You will be shocked at how many thousands of gallons are wasted annually from small sink leaks. The Network Green Housing Initiative ordered its drip counter from the AM Conservation Group, Inc. -- learn more here. Check out our lesson plans for suggestions on how to use the drip counter in tenant education efforts.

Toilet leak detecting dye tablets

Toilet leak detecting dye tablets allow you to identify a leaking or running toilet. Drop the tablet into your toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl is tinged blue, then you’ll know you have a leak. A toilet leak can cost hundreds of dollars per month, so these little tablets really come in handy! The Network Green Housing Initiative ordered its tablets from the AM Conservation Group, Inc. -- learn more here. Check out our lesson plans for suggestions on how to use toilet leak detecting dye tablets in tenant education efforts.

Shower timer

A shower timer is a fun and easy way to engage your tenants in water conservation. Most timers have suction cups to help them adhere to the shower wall, and an hourglass timed for five minutes of shower time. The Network Green Housing Initiative ordered its shower timers from the AM Conservation Group, Inc. -- learn more here. Check out our lesson plans for suggestions on how to use shower timers in tenant education efforts.

An Inconvenient Truth

This Oscar-winning documentary tells the story of Vice-President Al Gore and his quest to educate audiences around the world about the dangers of climate change. The film strikes a nice balance between explaining environmental phenomena and delving into Mr. Gore’s personal motivations for his quest. Thus, the movie stands well on its own or as part of a larger conservation education program. Check out our lesson plans for suggestions on how to use An Inconvenient Truth in tenant education efforts.