- January 6, 2017–January 29, 2017
Kill-a-watt is a residence hall-wide sustainability competition and education program during the month of January. This initiative of Calvin College seeks to be a fulfillment of its vision to be "caretakers of creation and agents of renewal for creation in our daily lives and as a collective community."
See who's winning: Kill-a-Watt point standings
Ways to get involved
DREAM certify your room
What: DREAM stands for Dorm Room Environmental Awareness Movement, and is a certification based on the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification for residential and commercial spaces.
Why: This survey will help you identify ways to reduce resources used by your room and by your daily practices. It also will win you a badge to put on your door and contribute points towards your dorm, regardless of how you score.
(Note: survey must be completed before 11:59 p.m. of January 22)
Sign up for Lifestyle Challenges
What: The new year is a prime time to make improvements to how we live our lives, sign up to try out a new sustainable habit for Interim.
Why: Lessen your impact on the planet, make a positive difference in the lives of others, and live out our calling to take care of God's creation... and of course, score big points for your dorm!
(Note: survey must be completed before 11:59 p.m. of January 9)
Recruit Faculty/Staff and Upperclassmen for Lifestyle Challenges
What: Send this link to any faculty/staff members or upperclassmen (junior/senior) friends who would like to join your hall’s team.
Why: Faculty/staff points count double for your hall!
(Note: survey must be completed before 11:59 p.m. of January 9)
Conserve Energy
What: Make the effort this January to shut off lights, unplug unneeded appliances, and use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Why: The dorm with the lowest energy usage per person at the end of Kill-a-watt wins a bonus of points!
Attend Kill-a-Watt Events
What: A variety of great events will be happening all over campus throughout the month of January, focused on the theme of sustainability. See the list below and look for events being planned in your own dorm.
Why: Each event that you attend will not only allow you to engage with new and important ideas, but will also add points to your dorm's tally!
Kill-a-Watt Events
Kill-a-Watt Kickoff
Monday, January 9 at 7 p.m. in the CFAC Auditorium.
This event will feature two great talks from Vice President for Student Life Sarah Visser and Biology professor Dave Warners, stunning video footage, and a gameshow-styled trivia game to jumpstart the competition. Wear green all day and come cheer on your dorm!
(Note: first opportunity to score points!)
Do-It-Yourself Night
Wednesday, January 11 at 8:30 p.m. in Johnny's.
Stop by during B-quiv to make your own free, sustainable laundry detergent and score points for your dorm. Bring your own container if you have one!
Snow Sculpture Competition
Happening all throughout Kill-a-Watt.
Build your most creative snowman, take a picture and add hashtag #killawatt2017 before January 22 to be entered into our snowman building competition. Winners will be announced at the Kill-a-watt wrap-up event on Monday, January 23.
Kill-a-Watt Finale and Award Night
Monday, January 23 at 8:30 p.m. in Johnny's.
Join us for hot chocolate as we announce both the makers of the best snowman and the winning dorm, as well as hearing in more tangible terms about some of the resources we've saved over the last couple of weeks.
Co-sponsored Events
DCM film "Revolution"
Wednesday, January 18th at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the CFAC Recital Hall.
This documentary takes a look at how climate change, environmental degradation, species loss, ocean acidification, pollution, and food/water scarcity are reducing the earth's ability to house humans and what we can do about it.
Information Fair
Tuesday, January 17 during dinner in Commons.
Come learn about sustainability initiatives happening on campus. Sign up for one or more student org's email list and receive points for your dorm.
Creation Care Chapel
Wednesday, January 18 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.
January Extra(vegan)za
Thursday, January 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Johnny's and Commons Annex Lecture Hall.
Students for Compassionate Living will be providing samples of some favorite meat, egg, and dairy free foods from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, followed by a talk given by Matt Halteman on practical advise for peaceful eating.
(Note: attending the talk is required to earn points)
Creation Care Bible Study and Dorm Worship
Happening all throughout Kill-a-Watt.
Gain a deeper understanding of our calling to be caretakers of creation as mandated in the Bible. Talk to your floor Barnabas for details.
Why do we care for creation?
- Creation is good. Genesis tells us that when God created the world He didn’t make it instantly, with the snap of a finger or a single word, but that He crafted it bit by bit, declaring it “good” at every stage of its development.
- It’s our responsibility to be good stewards. The first commission God gave Adam was to tend the garden and take care of it. (Gen 2:15) The Bible has many verses commanding good stewardship of resources (time, money, talents, land, etc.).
- To care about the poor and oppressed. Many major environmental problems, like air & water pollution and scarcity of land, food & energy resources hit the poor the hardest. Many lower-income communities in the US lack access to nutritious food, lead-free homes, and clean air & water. (Mt. 25:37-40 & almost 100 other verses)
- To be a part of God’s restoring all things. Rev. 21:5 says, “Behold I am making all things new.” Notice it doesn’t say “I am making all new things.” This creation is destined for restoration, and we are called to be part of that process because of Jesus' sacrifice. Christ died to reconcile all of creation to God (Col. 1:20)
- To avoid gluttony & selfishness. The US emits about twice the amount of carbon as Europe, and five times as much as China, per capita. Americans, only 4.4% of the world's populations, consume 1/4 of the world’s resources. Our lifestyles are contributing to this problem. Excessive pre-occupation with material goods and a consumerist habits hinders our walk with God.
- It feels right and good. Caring for all of creation can provide a Christian with the deepest sense of joy and contentment since it is part of loving God.
Resources
Questions?
Contact killawattcalvin@gmail.com
