White Roof Project
Did you know that painting a flat roof white can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of a home or building? Dark-colored roofs are hotter and less energy-efficient than white ones. Roofs on the tops of homes or buildings can be painted with special light-colored paint that reflects rather than absorbs heat. This makes buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It reduces energy costs and carbon emissions. Organize a campaign to educate people about the benefits of white roofs. Then raise money and gather volunteers to paint the roofs in your neighborhood.
How do I get started? First, download our PDF to learn more about how to launch a Done in a Day Project. Then check out the White Roof Project website and download their DIY packet.
How do I expand this narrative arc? There are so many great projects that are feasible for a motivated teen. Building on the success of your White Roof Project you should consider one or more of the many other climate-related urban interventions. For example:
If you live in a dry climate, launch a Xeri-scaping awareness campaign to promote the use of drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
If you live in an urban area (or one that has issues environmental contamination), Save the Earth with Sunflowers (which draw heavy metals from the soil).
Promote energy conservation through Ecolympics.
HOT TIP: This is a great project for someone with a demonstrated interest in sustainability and/or local activism. Executed properly, it provides an excellent answer to the question “what impact have you had on your community.”