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Though this month marks the beginning of spring, southern Colorado is typically still cold and snowy throughout March. There aren’t as many chances to get outside for activities as there are during warmer months. And unfortunately, many of us find ourselves indoors, spending too much time inside in front of screens.

Our screen habits and dependency have made us all very aware of how much we depend on electricity. When our devices are out of juice, it can be very frustrating. In addition to televisions, tablets and smartphones, there are a lot of other everyday things that we often take for granted that also use electricity: using the internet, refrigerating and cooking food, heating our homes and our water, opening garage doors and much, much more.

If you’re looking for a screen-free activity and a chance to remind yourself and your family how important electricity is, take SIEA’s No Electricity Challenge.

Here’s how to play the No Electricity Challenge:

  1. Switch off the main breaker to your home.
  2. See how long you and your family can go without using any electricity.
  3. Tell us how long you made it before you turned the electricity back on and tell us how you passed the time. Send an email to communications@siea.com, or mail a letter to 781 E. Industrial Blvd., Pueblo West, CO 81007. Share what you learned, what you missed the most, and what your favorite and least favorite parts of the game were.

Tips

If you’re thinking you and your family can go a long time without electricity, here are a few tips that might help prolong the game:

  • Get snacks and food together for your electricity-free time before you shut off the main breaker. Make microwave popcorn, put together a cheese and crackers plate, or make Energy Bites that you can keep in the refrigerator until you turn off the power. Check out the Energy Bites recipe below!
  • Limit the number of times you open your refrigerator to keep the food inside from spoiling.

Energy Bites

Servings: 20 Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup raw oats
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
  • 6 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions: In medium mixing bowl, stir peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until combined. Add oats, coconut, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.