How a Sticker Kept 3 Billion Tons of CO2 Out of the Air

Videos

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Economics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Hot Mess

Open Resource

What it is

This engaging video from Hot Mess outlines the history of energy efficiency improvements in household appliances since the 1980s and the benefits of Energy Guide and Energy Star stickers.
The video describes how government regulations have made appliances more efficient, limiting carbon emissions and saving consumers money on their energy bills.

Teaching tips

Positives

The video uses a variety of music, graphics, and text to engage students and ensure understanding.
The video demonstrates how regulations that encourage sustainable solutions can also be beneficial economically.

Prerequisites

The students should have some prior knowledge of household energy usage and its impact on climate change.
There is an advertisement at the end of the video. The content concludes at 4 minutes, 38 seconds.

Differentiation & Implementation

Economics classes can use this video when identifying how economic decisions can positively impact society. The video Why One Conservative Texas City Went 100% Sustainable is another example of this.
Science classes can use this video while learning about their carbon footprint. The video is a good resource to use alongside Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, Lights Out Day, Watt's Your Appliance Energy Usage?, The Powerful Role of Household Actions in Solving Climate Change, or Powering Our Household.
Science and engineering classes can use this video as part of a project to evaluate, research, and refine this energy solution.

From the scientist review

The resource spotlights how energy efficiency policies and regulations on electronic appliances have contributed to saving energy and reducing CO2 levels. The demand for these energy-saving products by consumers has also contributed to reducing carbon footprints from this sector. This is insightful for replications to other regions and recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Hot Mess
Authors: Hot Mess
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MS-ESS3-3. + 14 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

MS-ESS3-3.MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ETS1-2.MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
D2.Eco.1.6-8D2.Eco.1.6-8 Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
5-ESS3-1.5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
HS-ESS3-2.HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ETS1-3.HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Connecticut Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
6.Eco.1.a.6.Eco.1.a. Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and societies within a region (e.g., Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, South Asia Food and Nutrition Security Initiative, National Human Development Initiative, FIFA World Cup).
MS-ESS3-3.MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ETS1-2.MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
HS-ESS3-2.HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4.HS-ESS3-4. Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS-ETS1-3.HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

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