What we do first thing in the morning sets the tone for the entire day—including how we use energy. By adopting energy-smart mornings, students can practice mindfulness and sustainability from the moment they wake up. This activity inspires small, meaningful changes that make a big impact.
What Are Energy-Smart Mornings?
Energy-smart mornings focus on creating sustainable habits at the start of the day. From turning off lights to unplugging fully charged devices, these small actions can lead to significant energy savings over time. By engaging students in this practice, they’ll learn the importance of mindful energy use in their daily lives.
How to Promote Energy-Smart Mornings
Set the Stage
Start with a discussion about typical morning activities that use energy. Examples include:
- Turning on lights
- Charging devices overnight
- Using hairdryers, toasters, or other appliances
Explain how small adjustments to these habits can save energy.
Brainstorm Energy Saving Activities
Collaborate with your students to create energy-saving morning routines. Ideas might include:
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Unplugging devices once they’re fully charged
- Using natural light instead of artificial lighting
Track Progress
Provide students with printable log sheets (or have them use notebooks) to track their energy-saving habits each morning for a week.
Share Results
At the end of the week, hold a class discussion. Have students share their experiences and calculate how their small changes could lead to larger energy savings over time.

Extend the Lesson
Class Challenge
Turn it into a competition! See who can implement the most energy-saving habits or reduce their energy use the most over a week.
Home Energy Audit
Encourage students to extend these habits to other parts of their home. They can identify energy-wasting behaviors and come up with solutions as a family.
Encourage students to try a “No Power Hour” with their families and share their experiences in class.
Did You Know?
💡 If every American household replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an LED, it would save enough energy to power 2.6 million homes for a year!
Join the Movement to Save Energy
Starting your day the energy-smart way is a simple, interactive way to integrate STEM and sustainability into your classroom. By participating, students learn the importance of mindful energy use while gaining a sense of accomplishment in contributing to a greener future.
Want to go even further? Join a Renew Our Schools competition today!