On The Road
May 21, 2010
Kids say the most Power Smart things
Posted by Susan Lim
Where: Vancouver International Children's Festival, Vancouver
As a BC Hydro Community Outreach representative, my first visit to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival occurred in summer 2009 – I was only a kid at heart but as equally excited to be there as any visiting child.
Last year, our Power Smart Youth Zone was a huge hit. Our tent was buzzing with excited children who wanted to play the Power Smart games, the high-fives were flying, and every one promised to save electricity. Children’s Festival 2010, of course, was no exception.
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, busloads of eager children on field trips visited our Power Smart Youth Zone. We featured our thrilling Local Champions’ Obstacle Course and our colourful Power Smart Dance Floor.
As a line of smiling children formed behind the Obstacle Course, I decided to test their Power Smart intelligence while they waited. In my role I get to talk to thousand of children and hear many cute comments, but a boy who was only 5 or 6 really blew me away with his response.
When asked the simple question, “What do you do around the home to save energy?” a little boy confidently answered, “We shouldn’t waste water since we use it to make electricity.Instead of throwing out water we’re not going to drink anymore, we should water our flowers with it!”
Expecting something like, “Turn off the lights!” I was surprised to receive such a creative answer. “Wow, I’ve never heard that idea before and trust me, I’ve heard of a lot of ideas.That’s awesome!” I replied while rewarding him with a bright green Team Power Smart sticker and a high five.
I thought about how much water I’ve thrown down the sink that I could have watered flowers with. Something so easy to do, I wondered why I’ve never given it a second thought before.
As a Community Outreach representative, I’m really lucky to have the unique experience of educating thousands of people every summer about energy conservation. But moments like this remind me that learning is a two-way street and that we should never underestimate children.
This one little boy had really inspired me to think about water usage in another perspective and I hope I’ve inspired people in the same way about energy conservation. As much as I look forward to educating children, I’m thrilled to learn a thing or two from them as well.
Susan Lim is a Community Outreach representative based out of Team Burnaby and will be at community events throughout the summer.
