Before working for Rising Sun’s California Youth Energy Services (CYES) program, my understanding of environmental sustainability was very much based on what I learned in a textbook. Given that I only learned what environmental sustainability was through a book, there was never any real motivation to care or contribute. The thought of physically making any changes to my daily routine was never a thought. However, this perception of environmental sustainability changed once I started working as an Energy Specialist.
My job allowed me to learn about environmental sustainability through a more “hands-on” approach. In my work, environmental sustainability has become a task to achieve daily. Working everyday throughout the summer with environmental sustainability as a priority has not only changed my normal routine, but it has allowed me to change the way I comprehend the importance of conserving water and energy. It’s because of CYES that all the managers, Leaders In Field Training (LIFTs), and Energy Specialists are now able to notice possible inefficiencies in a home and can recommend which measures to install to maximize the savings on both water and energy when performing a Green House Call.
CYES is a program targeted towards youth development and spreading awareness on environmental sustainability to the local community. Families are saving money on their utility bills while helping sustain the environment. Simply seeing a smile on a family’s face when they hear about how their utility bills are likely to be lower encourages all the youth in CYES to work harder and serve more homes in the community.
At the Oakland/San Leandro site, CYES has a strong presence in the community. I think it’s because of our outreach efforts at local events and public spaces. Through outreach, we have been able to schedule more appointments and service more homes allowing us to provide environmental sustainability to these communities. Our combined efforts of outreach and services help the local cities of Oakland and San Leandro save energy and water.
As a youth at the Oakland/San Leandro site, CYES has provided me with the opportunity to spread my new knowledge on energy and water sustainability to the local community. It’s because of this job that my interest in contributing to environmental changes, especially at the local level, has increased.
