Fab Frugal Mama

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March Break Fun at Ontario Science Centre #EnergyShowTO #SaveOnEnergy

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Disclosure: I was given tickets to the Ontario Science Centre to facilitate this review. As always, I only share things I love with my readers.

This is the week that many parents both love and dread at the same time – March Break! It’s fun to spend time with the kids, doing fun activities, but it’s the planning that can be difficult and time-consuming. 

So, I kept it simple this year… museums, neighbourhood walks, a visit to our local toy store and some fun outings with family friends. One of them was a trip to the Ontario Science Centre. My kids have been there a few times before, but it’s nice to go back regularly to see what’s new.

We had heard about a new addition, The Energy Show, sponsored by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which my kids were eager to see. It explores different energy sources, the importance of renewable energy, and energy conservation – and even a demonstration of a Tesla coil!
Check it out…

If you’re visiting the Ontario Science Centre soon, be sure to see The Energy Show, which is included with your ticket. I highly recommend the show – it’s an interactive, engaging experience that makes learning fun. (Who wouldn’t love to see a seven-foot Tesla coil and a hair-raising Van de Graaff generator in action?!) 

👉 The Energy Show runs weekdays at 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm, and on weekends at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm & 4 pm.  You can find out more about The Energy Show at http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/energyshow/. 

While at the Science Centre, the kids also had fun learning how to save energy at home at the on-site activation sponsored by the IESO.

Here are a few things we learned – all simple ways to save on energy costs.

  • Purchase energy-efficient products like LED lightbulbs (which use 75-90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs!) and EnergyStar rated appliances
  • Add motion sensors, which shut lights off automatically when people leave a room (my kids forget all the time!). Sensors provide added security by lighting up hallways, backdoors and garages automatically, avoiding the need to leave lights on for hours at a time.
  • Use power bars with integrated timers for game consoles or home theatre systems, so that electricity is shut off to those devices. They reduce the “phantom power” used by devices in standby mode, which can add up to as much as 10 per cent of a home’s energy use.

This life-size light wall was a hit with kids!

 

All of these little changes add up to big savings! For example, we found out that we can save up to$11 a month by:

  • Replacing 10 incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED ones;
  • Using an advanced power bar that prevents electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used; and
  • Wrapping an electric water heater with insulation

It was great to see my kids empowered to make changes that are good for the environment (and my wallet!). If you’d like to inspire your family, too, visit saveonenergy.ca for lots of ideas to use energy wisely in your home.

Win It!

One lucky reader will win a prize pack, valued at $80, which includes:

  • 2 tickets for the Ontario Science Centre (1 adult, 1 child) which includes admission to the Energy Show
  • 1 – 3-pack of 60W Daylight Energy Star Dimmable Light Bulbs 
  • 1 – LED MR16 Daylight Energy Star Light Bulb
  • 1 – Universal Slide Dimmer Without Pre-set Switch, White

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Open to residents of Ontario only, age 18+; see Rafflecopter for full contest details and terms.


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  1. Carey Hurst says

    I am actually already the only person I know who already conserves energy more than anyone I know. To me it isn’t extra money , as a single mom it means food in the fridge.

  2. sojeles says

    We are trying our best to conserve energy, our last hydro bill was awful 🙁 So this extra savings would go towards our family vacation. Every bit helps.

  3. Kelly D says

    I would use the money I save to do a staycation – be visitors in our own town. Catch a show. Go to an amusement park. Eat at restaurants. The kids would love it!

  6. fabfrugalmama says

    So true, Carey! Growing up in a single-parent family, I know all too well what that means. Thanks for doing your part for the environment and for being a fab mama! Good luck!

  11. Natalie says

    I just moved to a place with electric heating so my bills this winter were ridiculous compared to what they used to be. So for me, it won’t be extra money as much as it’s just money I was used to having for other expenses before.

  13. Lisa (fabfrugalmama) says

    Ugh…electric heat is so expensive! I feel for ya! If you win the prize pack, it comes with items to help save energy in your home. Good luck!

  16. gingermommyrants says

    We always enjoy our visits there. Such a fun place for the entire family. They make learning fun!

  18. Francine says

    It seems no matter what we do, our hydro bill is higher each month. I’d use the saved money for a date night!

  21. fabfrugalmama says

    Ah… date night! What is that, again? LOL (We haven’t had one in ages, so I hear you!!)

  22. fabfrugalmama says

    Completely agree!! My kids love to learn there… it’s better than reading a textbook. 🙂

  25. fabfrugalmama says

    I’m totally in favour of anything that gets Mom out of cooking *another* meal! Good luck!