Will the last one out please turn off the lights?
Our Opinion
Issue date: 11/10/08
Section: Commentary
Last week was "Green Week" on campus and EcoHusky sponsored several events revolving around energy saving, recycling, water conservation and sustainable living. The intention was great, the message was important, and the events were interesting and made a difference.
Monday was "Energy Day," and there was the traditional CFL light bulb giveaway and a stargazing event where students were encouraged to turn off their lights for a period of time to better see stars. The day also included information on Biofuel and how UConn has been using it to save energy on campus.
We are hopeful that the repeated efforts of organizations such as EcoHusky have influenced students and made an impact on campus. Environmental issues are extremely important, especially today for college students who will inevitably deal with any future problems caused by today's carelessness.
While all efforts to be "green" are important, the effort to conserve energy is especially relevant today. Fossil fuels are running out, and so, it becomes necessary to conserve while trying to develop new renewable energy.
That's why students should turn off lights in their dorm rooms when they're not in the room. At any given time, one can see lit up empty common rooms while the room's occupants are in their separate bedrooms. Everyone knows someone who leaves the lights or the television on when they go out.
Students, however, are not the only ones who have to be more "green."
Take a walk or drive around campus anytime in the middle of the night, and you'll be able to see several lights on in many buildings. It's understandable to leave street lights on and some lights on around buildings for the safety of those walking around campus at night, and for custodians who clean the buildings at night, but why are hallway lights in the locked buildings of Arjona and Monteith constantly on? Why are lights on in the Shenkman Training Center when clearly no one is training in those large rooms surrounded by glass windows? Why are classroom lights turned on automatically during the day, even when it's sunny out, and when it may not be necessary?
It's a large campus. If a few people forget to turn the lights off, it adds up to a lot of lights. If the lights are constantly on in buildings, even while they're not in use, it adds up to a lot of lights. Not only does it add to a waste of energy, it adds to a high electric bill.
Keeping lights off at night or during the day when you don't need them will not only save a great deal of precious energy, it will also save a lot of money. And it's a pretty simple way to save our resources - just flip those switches and turn the lights off.
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