For Kids

Tolby!

Meet Tolby!

Hi friends! My name is Tolby– that stands for “Turn Off Lights Behind You.” I’m a little different than those other fireflies because I love to save energy! When I first started flying around, I got tired quickly because it took too much energy to keep my light on. So I got a new light! My new light is called a “compact fluorescent light bulb” and like me, it has a shorter name: CFL. A CFL uses less energy so now I can fly around to visit my friends and stay bright for a long time without getting tired.

I like doing things that save energy because it helps keep the earth healthy – and it’s FUN! I like to help all my friends save energy too, so we can all be super energy savers together. My friends at the Minnesota Energy Challenge made me this fun website so I can tell my favorite stories about how to save energy and stay bright.

I would love to hear all of the ways that you are saving energy at home and school, with your family and friends. I also know that saving energy can be confusing sometimes. I love notes from all of my wonderful energy saving friends – so if you have any questions, you can email me at tolby@mncee.org!

Interested in Tolby Visiting your Classroom or Youth Group?

Tolby and the Energy Challenge Coordinator, Emma, love visiting groups to teach youth of all ages about the importance of saving energy.  Visits are free and feature an entertaining presentation on energy efficiency, and playing an interactive energy efficiency game with the Tolby mascot. All visits include free Tolby materials for every participant. For more details and to schedule a visit, contact Emma at eshriver@mncee.org or 612-335-5852. Check out the Tolby presentation FAQ!               

 

Tolby's Action Guide

Just a few of the fun and easy things you can do with your family, friends, and schools to save energy, money and the environment.

You Have the Power

Set your computer's power management settings for maximum savings.

Try Composting

Give composting a whirl and turn waste into dirt.

Get on the Bus

Leave your car at home and take the bus once a week for work, school or errands.

Five is Just Fine

Take five minute showers for squeaky-clean energy savings.

Flip the Switch

Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to stop costly electricity leaks.

Ditch the Car

Combine trips, walk or bike for some extra exercise and energy savings.

Do the Twist

Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs that use 75% less electricity and last 7-10 times longer.

Give Recycling a Try

Recycle the basics – newspapers bottles and cans – to reduce your home’s environmental impact and keep usable materials out of landfills.

Color in the Savings

Print out our free Energy Challenge coloring sheets to show off your knowledge and art skills at the same time.

Bring the Challenge to School

Promote the Energy Challenge at your school to build your team and save energy.

Sign an Agreement

Turn energy savings into a fun family activity with our energy saving agreement

Tolby's Latest Blog Post


Coloring Contest

Encourage the discussion and education surrounding energy efficiency and conservation. Youth in the state of Minnesota in grades K-5 are welcome to submit their drawings. Color, draw, and write about their favorite way to save energy. Change to win a visit from Tolby for a group of your choice, and some great Tolby gear!

Winning entry goes to Carlos, a 4th grader from Pillsbury Elementary!
 

Tolby's Resources

Download fun Tolby resources to do with your classroom, friends and famiily. If you would like a large amount sent to a group contact Emma, the Energy Challenge Coordinator.

 

Coloring Pages

Activities

Tolby's Favorite Kids Sites

What more can you do to save energy, money and the environment and learn about new ways to save

Energy Star Kids!
This website has great games and lots of facts about energy. If you want to make your energy vocabulary better this is the place to go!

Energy Kids!
A fun website with games and a great section on the history of energy.

National Geographic Crafts
Some craft ideas that are fun and environmentally friendly.

YEA! MN
For the older energy savers –join this great high school environmental club and learn how to promote energy savings at your school