Lights Out for the Climate

Something caught my eye when reading the headline -- "Lights Out in San Francisco" -- at first, I thought there might have been another earthquake. And then the next paragraph explained how on October 20, 2007 the entire city of San Francisco is committed to a program called Lights Out for one hour from 8p.m. to 9p.m. With the exception of street and traffic lights, the city will participate in a voluntary brownout. What a great idea! Calling attention to global warming by a small action.

Imagine if all the skyscrapers went dark in every major city for just one weekend? How much energy would it save?

So...what if every major city in the U.S. participated in the Lights Out campaign?

Here is why you should participate...because Lights Out will be a great night:

1. For star-gazers
2. For a candlelight, romantic dinner
3. For hiding an engagement ring under a pillow
4. For educating your children about global warming
5. For saving 15% or more on your GEICO bill (hahaha- just making sure you were reading)...actually, on your electric bill

If you want to make a real difference, try to do something every day on a small scale -- such as using LED or compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or turning off a light when you leave the room -- and maybe together we can make an impact to conserve energy and fight global warming.

Next year on March 29, 2008, at least 15 major cities will do the Lights Out campaign and although a voluntary brownout is just a short-term highlight to the problem of global warming and climate change. Hope you will find time to participate for just one hour.

Comments

[realitytrumpsbull]

You could do that same trick at your house,
turn off the TV, the A/C, the DVD, the HUD,
the W/D, matter of fact, just go over and
find the breaker box, and turn off everything
except the fridge. Eat sandwiches and be happy.
Wear a jacket, or a t-shirt as appropriate.

Those flourescent bulbs really DO save the
juice...es­pecially when you remember to turn them off...

[StephenSmoliar]

I just checked my Calendar and can confirm that none of the lights in my condo will be lit. That is because I shall be a few blocks down the street at Davies Symphony Hall. Somehow I doubt that all the music stands (not to mention the conductor's podium) will be equipped with candles; and I further doubt that the San Francisco Opera across the street is going to bail on their stage lighting! Sure, both of these events could be canceled; but then do the math on how much money would have to be refunded. I am all for consciousn­ess-raisin­g; but I believe it should be achieved through less gratuitous gestures!

[Jakdrippah]

I like it.

Not often a commentary on this blog doesn't include a rabid attack on Bush, America, Christians, and "neocons".

More importantly, this proposal is volutary and doesn't involve increasing taxes and regulation.

Despite the fact that the causal mechanisms of the recent global warming trend have not been conclusively established, I'll turn off my lights if this thing catches on.

Why not make it a monthly thing!

Perhaps one day a week!

I'll dust off my telescope and see if I can find Andromeda or seven sisters.

[seawolf77]

Great idea. Unfortunately it is like using a mosquito swatter to kill a Cape Buffalo. You look at this president. The first to lose a major American city since the Civil War and maybe Galveston and trust me anyone who has been to New Orleans knows it is lost to now being the first president to watch a major American city run dry of water. Think of this, Atlanta will be out of water barring unforseen monsoons in 90 - 120 days i.e. this winter. OUT OF WATER!!!!! A city of 500,000 people will be without water in less than 4 months in the grand old USA.

[Nommo]

Turn all those lights out and watch GEICO rates skyrocket!