[ebarker]

I don't want to sound negative but I guess I will. And I mean this with all due respect to the participatant's on this thread.

To my way of thinking this earth day thing is a collective hipster culture action mob that can accomplish maybe three things.

1) save a little energy.
2) raise awareness.
3) assuage guilt about contributing to environmental degradation.

re: energy saving - a slight shift in 'degree days' can completely overtake or underrun the energy savings in this exercise.

re: awareness - if the average person in the developed world isn't aware of energy problems and CO2 then they must live in a happy bubble on planet Zebulon.

re: guilt - if they average person thinks by participating in this they are then guilt free to visit the local mall and walk under glaring lights that are mounted under skylights, on a crystal clear day... i think not.

If the average person wants to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to saving energy, they can install energy saving devices AND support efforts to promote STEM education (like FIRST)

If the average FIRST'er wants to get in on the action, then they should spend 25% of their time educating the public as to why FIRST is important, 25% working toward student projects that address sustainability (in all areas, healthcare, energy, water, food, shelter.....) and 50% of their time having robo fun.

HERE IS A CHALLENGE !!!

What if teenagers that knew something about technology, AND graphic design went to the mall. They walked around with a camera and a notebook and pencil and took notes. And then went to their workshop and started designing or promoting 'carbon free signage'.

If you walk around the mall you will see very effective signs over store entrances that use NO energy (after manufacture) and are as effective or even more stylish than glaring 'beam me up scottie' signs.

Drive around town at 2am and look at the number and types of lights that are on. Lights are going up faster than we can turn them off.

Either we get lighting under control, permanently by design, or we need to triple the energy costs to get the consumer to turn them off.


OK - I step down from my soapbox............ and I apologize in advance for anyone offended by my rant...........