DETAILS

UCSC Energy Management and the Sustainability Office are leading the first annual “Operation Unplug” campaign to conserve energy (and reduce greenhouse gas emissions) during winter break. Before leaving your residence hall, apartment, or office, please unplug minifridges/microfridges inside residence halls, computers and/or monitors, power strips, and all other energy intensive appliances or equipment. 

For minifridges/microfridges, PLEASE ENSURE TO SAFELY DEFROST (takes a few days- plan ahead!) and remove all items inside. When a refrigerator isn’t defrosted properly, water can leak onto floors and carpets, leading to bad odors and possible room damage.

Do not unplug full-size refrigerators in apartment kitchens. 

Take the pledge and/or upload a photo of what you unplugged to the campaign’s google form for raffle entries to win one of two $50 gift certificates. Recruit your friends and coworkers for an additional entry each and try to be the winning building! Operation Unplug is open to all students, staff, and faculty.

Not sure how to defrost a fridge? 

Reset the thermostat to the “0” position and defrost the freezer by disconnecting the power supply. Remove the items and place them in a cooler for protection and leave the freezer door open. Keep the door open long enough to soften the frost so that you can easily scrape it off.