Energy Green Grandpa’s YouTube Channel
The Legacy of Energy Green Grandpa cont...
At 85, George shows no signs of slowing down. And life at Cedarhurst of Salina has only supported his mission. “I love the space,” he says. “It’s perfect for filming, and the staff has been so supportive.” He’s shared his brochures and knowledge with fellow residents and even sparked conversations about sustainability within the community. Though he calls himself a “loner,” George has formed connections at Cedarhurst, meeting new friends and reconnecting with familiar faces. While he enjoys a quiet afternoon of research, he also cherishes conversations with neighbors about their lives and experiences. “It’s a good place to live,” he says. “I’m thankful every day for the care my wife Alice and I receive. The staff are attentive, thorough, and genuinely kind.” Alice, a celebrated Kansas educator in her own right, shares George’s passion for lifelong learning. Together, they’ve lived a life dedicated to teaching — and to each other. Their story was recently featured in Kansas Living magazine, and their bond continues to be a source of strength and joy. For George Potts, teaching was never just a job. It was a calling. Whether in a classroom, a forest, or a YouTube video, his goal remains the same: to open minds, ignite curiosity, and help people understand that even small changes can help heal the planet. So, if you ever find yourself browsing YouTube and stumble across a kind-faced man talking about solar panels, insulation, or lightbulbs — stop and listen. You might just learn something from Energy Green Grandpa — a teacher, a pioneer, and a true Cedarhurst original.
Although he enjoys his YouTube work, George still misses the human interaction of the classroom. “You can’t see your viewers,” he says. “In person, I could spot a student who was tuning out and find a way to reel them back in.” Still, the channel allows George to reach new audiences - particularly younger generations — with his message: climate change is real, and we all have a role to play. One of his proudest achievements is a series of 13 “crash course” videos aimed at high school students. Designed to be approachable and informative, these 15-minute lessons help young people understand the science of energy and the importance of environmental responsibility. His hope? That viewers of all ages walk away not just informed — but inspired to make small changes that add up to a big impact. George’s legacy isn’t just digital — it’s deeply personal. In the mid-1960s, he taught biology in inner-city Los Angeles, working with youth affected by poverty and gang violence. During the Watts Riots, he witnessed firsthand how societal unrest impacted his students. One day, he asked them to write anonymously about what they were feeling. That small act of listening had a profound effect. “It gave them a voice,” he says quietly. “They could say what they needed to say without fear.” To this day, George remains in contact with some of those students. When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, George smiles. “I already left a legacy with the students I taught,” he says. “Now, I hope these videos will carry the message forward.” That message, delivered through Energy Green Grandpa, is one of hope, action, and education.
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | SUMMER FLOURISH 2025 32
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