Fighting Phantom Energy in Metro Nashville Public Schools

by Andrew Pelham

Fighting Phantom Energy in Metro Nashville Public Schools I have to admit that I first chose my topic because the name “phantom energy” sounds cool and creepy. What if MNPS has been breeding phantom energy in every school? As I learned more, I realized why phantom energy is so important. 100% of it is waste! In my mind, I see mountains being destroyed just so we can have five more minutes of charge. I hope that by choosing this topic, I can find a way to stop a few of these phantoms. I conducted my research by starting with my own observations as a student and by asking my dad, a school principal. Computers are left on all night, and laptop carts charge until the next time they are used, even if they are fully powered. First, I consulted two books about conserving energy. Then, I looked online to understand how phantom energy works, how power is drawn when the device is off, and how overcharging batteries shortens their life. Finally, I looked at product websites to see how green products stood up to what we use in MNPS. I chose to create a website for my presentation because people on computers are my target audience. How is it possible that a website can change what people do on a daily basis? Interactive ways of learning can influence people more than a display or Powerpoint. If people use Kilowatt hour calculator or take my poll, then they will think about how much energy they are wasting. Teachers who want to try the Plug Patrol can print out free badges and charts. Another example of making change easier is adding links to product websites for smart power strips or green laptop carts. I even added the mountaintop removal clip from “Kilowatt Ours” so that people can see what they are really wasting. The big idea is that a website gets people involved. Phantom energy is important to the real world because everyone wastes energy. It may not be the biggest trace on our carbon footprint, but all of that energy is gone to waste. If students are part of a Plug Patrol in the classroom, then they may be influenced to do the same for their iPods

and laptops at home, too. Understanding phantom energy is relevant now because MNPS is spending six million dollars this year on laptops and carts for testing. The right choice in carts may save money, but it will definitely save energy. That’s what reducing our carbon footprint is all about.