Power Down for the Planet

As an online-only publication using tree-free pencils (also known as “computers”), Grist is familiar with the energy-sucking pitfalls of internet technology. Which is why we think it’s so swell that the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI) is ganging up with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program for some new-fashioned video contest fun a la Power Down for the Planet. This challenge is mostly aimed at getting universities and their peeps to cut their own IT power consumption and a little bit aimed at communicating about turning off your computer in a creative way.

However, you don’t have to be a student to enter the video contest, which has a deadline of April 17. Prizes include $5,000 cash money (who couldn’t use some?), bikes, and computers. Check out the official video call for entries below, get the contest details here, and submit your own entry on YouTube by April 17. But don’t get your hopes up too much because Grist’s video is going to win anyway.