By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
An 85-year old Cedarhurst Senior Living resident in Salina, has broke the internet with his passion and engagement of teaching others on how to 'save energy, money and reducing your carbon footprint.'
Dr. George Potts, aka "Energy Green Grandpa" is originally from Wichita, a Youtube star and educator that teaches others about the topic of 'climate change' and the conservation of money and energy in an entertaining, yet engaging way. Dr. Potts uses fun and entertaining Youtube videos, to inform homeowners on how they can save energy, money and reduce the 'carbon footprint' (total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from an individual).
Before the fame
Dr. Potts found his love for the biology/chemistry realm at an early age, where he spent quality time outside and interacting with nature. After he graduated high school, Potts attended Friends University (Wichita, KS) where he earned a Bachelor's in biological and chemical sciences in 1961. He then studied medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine until 1963. Furthermore, Potts went back to his hometown to earn a Master's in Science Education/Environmental Sciences (1970) at Wichita State University and where he also received his Secondary Education Certification back in 1964. After he received his teaching certification, he moved to Los Angeles where he landed his first teaching job as a biology, physics educator.
After his 3 year tenure in Los Angeles, he moved back to Wichita in 1967 where taught at Wichita North until '74 and then at Wichita South for a year. Moreover, Potts taught at Wichita Northeast Magnet High School from 1994-2000, after teaching at a few different Kansas universities.
With Potts' veteran teaching experience, he describes that this is something he has 'always wanted to do.'
"I have always enjoyed engaging with my students," said Potts. "Students learn by hands-on experiences and actively collecting and analyzing data. The best teachers are those who engage with their students."
Birth of 'Energy Green Grandpa'
Throughout Potts' time as an educator, he stated that he became 'concerned' of the fact that 'not many people are aware of the topic of climate change.' He described that he asked himself the question of, "how can I engage the public about informing them of climate change?"
After some time of reflection, Potts and with the help of his son Rolf Potts, thought of the idea to create a Youtube channel titled, "Energy Green Grandpa." His channel puts forth entertaining, yet helpful videos that benefit homeowners on how they can use their energy more efficiently and mitigate the amount of carbon dioxide molecules put in the earth's atmosphere.
"It seemed to me that not many people were aware of climate change," said Potts.
"Energy Green Grandpa" consists of a wide range of about 5 minute long videos pertaining from, LED lightbulbs to renewable energy solutions. George handles research and scripting, while Rolf handles filming and editing.
“I love the research,” said George Potts. “It keeps me sharp and I’ve always been a reader, even as a little boy. I preferred a good book to playing outside.”
The 'Energy Green Machine'
Not only does the "Energy Green Grandpa" help the public through Youtube, but he also is the program director of "Energy Green Community," which is designed for households/homeowners to become more efficient in their energy use. This program is meant to encourage homeowners to encourage others in a specific community to become "Energy Green" by applying the "22 Energy Saving Tips."
View those tips and information by clicking here: https://energygreengrandpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Energy-Green-Household-1.pdf
According to Cedarhurst, Potts is 'showing no signs of slowing down.' Cedarhurst has stated that Potts 'love his space' and that he commented that its 'perfect for filming and the staff has been so supportive.' Potts has even shared his brochures and knowledge with fellow residents and sparking conversations about sustainability within the community.
For more information about Dr. George Potts or to visit the "Energy Green Grandpa" website, go to: https://energygreengrandpa.com/