Energy Efficiency

Sponsor Organization: U.S. Department of Energy
Campaign Website: www.loseyourexcuse.gov; www.energy.gov/tink
Volunteer Agencies: Goodby, Silverstein and Partners; Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Energy use is on the rise around the world. By 2030, global energy demand is expected to increase 50 percent above 2005 levels, with electricity demand alone in the U.S projected to rise 29 percent over the same period. Increasing demand requires additional supplies to keep costs low, ensure reliability, and reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy sources. At the same time, this growing demand must be addressed in the context of global climate change. Consumers can make a significant difference on all these fronts by reducing demand through simple energy efficiency measures. For example, households that install energy-saving bulbs can cut energy used for lighting by more than 80 percent.

In a national survey of kids ages 8-12, 85 percent of respondents believed that they could lead their family to do what is needed to consume less energy in the home. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Ad Council have partnered together to launch a new kid-targeted campaign entitled “What’s Your Excuse?” highlighting the simplicity of making energy efficient changes in the home and asking kids to join millions of others to make a difference by using their energy wisely.

The PSAs direct tweens to an interactive website www.loseyourexcuse.gov where they can download the Energy Action plan and learn fun, simple tips on energy efficient behaviors and new technological advances to reduce energy consumption in the home.

A second series of PSAs, including TV, online, and outdoor were developed in collaboration with the Ad Council and feature characters from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment's new DVD and Blu-Ray^TM release Tinker Bell. They are designed to educate 8-9 year olds on positive energy efficient habits. The PSAs drive kids to visit www.energy.gov/kids.