Saturday, March 28, 2009

Earth Hour

Sydney begins earth hour. Here's the link to the msnbc story.

And here's a link to the group that started this, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Some of the pictures already coming in are so pretty!

Tonight I will be reading a book by candlelight for the hour. I will turn off my lights and computers and will even avoid using my truck for that space of time.

4 comments:

  1. You will put more C02 into the air from that candle than you will save by turning off the light.

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  2. This is precisely why we need nuclear power. Modern reactors, particularly fast breeder reactors, are far more environmentally friendly than diesel or coal power plants. A few large reactors in the middle of Nevada would be sufficient to power a large part of the West Coast.

    I hope the bad rap old reactor designs will eventually fade, since new designs eliminate the threat of radioactive gases escaping if there is ever a problem.

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  3. Actually, Dr. John, that's not really true. I'm not turning off *a* light. I'm turning off ALL the lights. And not using my truck. And not using electronics. Yes, the candle emits CO2 but according to http://www.stubbornmule.net/2009/03/burning-candles/ the amount emitted by one 40W bulb is around 5 candles. So all of my lights compared to a single candle is an improvement.

    In particular, quoting the site above, "Each hour a small candle burns at least 2.5 grams of candlewax (most candles would be worse than this), which contains a little over 2 grams of carbon, producing 7 grams of CO2 emissions"..."the 40W incandescent bulb produces around 40 grams of CO2 emissions each hour"

    7 is definately better than 40 for the single light, not to mention multiple lights. So yes, I'm still emitting CO2 but in a much smaller quantity. And I realize it says that most candles are worse but I really am only using the small candle. A tea light, to be specific.

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  4. How about using that wind-up flashlight? Then you only release the CO2 of your breathing. :)

    ReplyDelete

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