How homeowners and renters can save money, protect the environment

Kanu Hawaii, a community group that promotes island sustainability, has kicked off an “energy challenge” for home owners and renters. Through the month of July, the organization is asking residents to join their movement to cut gasoline and electricity bills by 25 percent.

Interested participants can sign up for the challenge here. Household energy reductions will be determined through their Hawaiian Electric bill. The biggest reductions in energy use will win:

For homeowners: Free 120 gallon solar water heater (installation included, $5,000 value) from RevoluSun

For homeowners: Free whole home lighting retrofit from Energy Industries ($4,000 value)

For renters: Gift certificates for City Mill and other suppliers of energy-saving appliances ($400 value)

“If 2,000 homes cut electricity use by 25 percent, we’d save almost $100,000 in 1 month, prevent more than 500,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions, and save the equivalent of more than 300 barrels of oil,” says Kanu Hawaii co-director Olin Lagon.

To help residents in their quest to save energy, Kanu Hawaii will send participants weekly tips, deals, and stories via email. Each week will feature a mini-challenge and focused tips:  

Week 1: Audit Challenge – We can’t manage what we don’t measure. 

Week 2: Appliances Challenge – Learn to turn off | adjust appliances to use less energy. 

Week 3: Transportation Challenge – Get out of the car & explore alternative transportation. 

Week 4: Outreach Challenge – Share what you learned with others, and help develop better energy policy.

In addition, if you post a journal about your energy-saving experience, you’ll be entered to win a free Energy Saving Toolkit from Hawaiian Electric ($40 value). Each week, one journal entry will be randomly selected to win.

For more information on Kanu Hawaii and their July energy challenge, click here.