As a science museum we feel we have an obligation to demonstrate how science and technology can be used to be not only environmentally responsible, but also to decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources. The incandescent lights on the display floors of the museum have all been replaced with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. There were 112 bulbs in all, which will represent a significant decrease in our energy consumption. Of course, it also means our utility bill, which can be rather expensive in a building this old, will feel the effects as well. We have already seen the meter slowing down over the past 2 months as we have reviewed the numbers.
This is something simple that every one can do. CFL's cost more than incandescents, but by the time you add up the fact that CFL's last for 7 years and use 1/4 of the electricity, they easily pay for themselves and then some. Not everyone can change all their lights at once, but you can certainly replace ones that go out with a new CFL. If every household simply replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, one coal-fired power plant could be shut down. Of course, this doesn't take into account businesses and what would happen if everyone changed all their light bulbs!
This doesn't have to be an issue of what one believes about global warming. It's simply something we can all do to reduce demand for fossil fuels, which will benefit us in many ways. It is an issue of national security, economics, and, yes, environmental responsibility. Whatever your reason or motivation may be, let's all do this together!
No comments:
Post a Comment