This post over at the Terry website is nice, and poses an interesting question.
Tonight, as I walked home past the hospital and the lights and the young teenage couple standing under the walkway and the older couple sitting on the bench, I thought to myself, "I wonder how much energy is required to light these every season? How much carbon is being used up just to light this display?"I stopped in stride. "How could I ask myself such a ridiculous questions - who cares, its beautiful!" I thought, "Look how many people are enjoying it, this symbol of bliss and happiness that has marked a dozen of your childhood winter seasons!" I took a picture with my camera, and walked home.
And I guess I wonder which view folks should take.
One can argue that, obviously, some sort of middle ground that meets both agendas is best, but I wonder if the most important facet of this query is whether the agressively "go green"mentality is hurting the cause more than it is promoting it.
Anyway, check out the post if you get a chance.
Environment
Comments
How about a compromise? LED bulbs use 1/30th the energy for the equivalent light output.
Other advantages:
Less fire hazard because they don't heat up.
No spending hours trying to find that one burned-out bulb that has disabled the entire string of lights
Disadvantage:
Initial cost
Posted by: T. Bruce McNeely | November 20, 2007 1:40 PM
Let's take it a step farther shall we? Not just LED lights but solar LED light displays...that should shut those tree huggers up.
Posted by: Karen | November 20, 2007 4:29 PM
I hear people argue incessantly over 'framing' in science. I understand the squeamishness about putting any sort of gloss on science, and I prefer we not.
But, when it comes to policy, unless a Tree-Huggin' Stalin comes to power, it will be important to not alienate others, since we'll depend on their votes to get and/or keep environmental legislation in place.
Posted by: Dave Eaton | November 20, 2007 4:43 PM
it would seem my attempt at humor is not appreciated...
Posted by: Karen | November 21, 2007 3:04 PM