In 2013, the Energy.gov team celebrated National Energy Action Month by carving some energy pumpkins after work. | Video by Matty Greene, Energy Department.
Here at Energy.gov, we take energy -- and Halloween -- pretty seriously.
So when the White House announced that, once again, this October would be National Energy Action Month, we knew it was time to celebrate.
During National Energy Action Month, President Obama calls on Americans to work together “to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children.” The Energy Department works year-round to make these goals a reality. But National Energy Action Month is a great time to think more closely about how we use energy, where it comes from, and what we can do to use it more sustainably.
That’s why we created Energyween -- a spooky, tongue-in-cheek celebration of energy and how we use it. As in years past, we’ve taken a few of our favorite hallmarks of the season -- jack-o-lanterns, haunted houses, DIY costumes -- and given them a fun and educational energy twist. This year, we turned Halloween candy into energy units and asked a real-life energy ghostbuster to help us fight back against the energy vampires lurking in our homes.
Here's how you can help us celebrate:
Carve an energy pumpkin
We love classic, spooky jack-o-lanterns as much as the next Cabinet agency. But we’re also energy nerds, so we suggest mixing up your pumpkin patch with our classic energy-themed pumpkin carving stencils. Or better yet, design your own and tweet us a photo!
Hear from a real-life energy ghostbuster
Check out the latest episode of “Direct Current: An Energy.gov Podcast” to learn about the invisible ghouls and goblins lurking in your home, sapping energy and running up your electric bills. You can also check out Energy Saver’s home appliance and energy use calculator to see if energy-efficient upgrades might be a smart move.
Learn about units of energy consumption
Did you know that 11 million pieces of candy corn contain the same amount of energy that an average American consumes in an entire year? That’s a lot of sugar. Check out our interactive calculator to see how you stack up in other spooky, user-friendly energy units.
Make an energy-themed Halloween costume
Dress up as a particle accelerator, a wind turbine, or your favorite Secretary of Energy. Our DIY Energyween costume guide shows you how.
While you’re at it, follow us on Twitter (@ENERGY), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for daily tips, tricks and treats as we count down to Halloween. Got photos? Share them using #Energyween, or send us an email at newmedia@hq.doe.gov.