Earth Hour - Page 3 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

percy · 03-25-2009, 07:16 PM

I am going to turn every light on in my house so that the fire department will have a reference point to find the house that is ablaze because of someone turning off their lights and burning candles.

But seriously if turning off your lights makes people feel like they are contributing, good for them. We all need to feel worthy once in a while. Personally I couldn't care less.

Not trying to offend anyone but I am more impressed with people who contribute at a realistic, hands on level supporting causes like child poverty, abused women, the homeless. I mean people who are out on the streets helping those who can't help themselves. People who are physically and emotionally touching peoples lives, everyday, not just when the bandwagon rolls around.

Global warming? Saving the planet? Turning off the lights? Can we be any more ambiguous in our efforts to feel so good about something that really takes very little thought or effort?

I guess we all need a cause. I just wish more people were into more immediate causes that will actually do something for someone instead of cliquee, trendy episodes of correctness while drinking their Starbucks, waiting for the hour to be up so that they can turn the lights back on and revel in the artificial sanctimonium to actually think they accomplished something

Willravel · 03-28-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by percy

I am going to turn every light on in my house so that the fire department will have a reference point to find the house that is ablaze because of someone turning off their lights and burning candles.

Burning candles would defeat the purpose. Candles generally use more carbon than a fluorescent bulb.

Quote:

Does lighting candles for Earth Hour defeat the purpose?

Saturday, March 28, is Earth Hour, an annual international event organized by WWF to raise awareness of climate change in which participants switch off all their lights for one hour, beginning at 8:30 p.m. local time.

The first Earth Hour took place in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million million homes and businesses pledged to turn off their lights. The following year, the event went global, with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Coliseum, the Sydney Opera House, and the Coca-Cola billboard in Times Square all going dark. That year, 50 million people in more than 370 cities and towns worldwide switched off their lights.

This year, 2,848 cities, towns, and municipalities are joining the eco-blackout. The event’s organizers say that they are shooting for 1 billion people to participate.

And during Earth Hour, what will most participants use for illumination? Candles. The Earth Hour website is filled with announcements – from New Zealand to Hong Kong to Serbia – of restaurants hosting candlelit dinners and clubs holding candlelit acoustic concerts, along with lots of tips on what to do at home during the electricity-free hour, which includes taking a candlelit bath or playing board games by candlelight.

All these burning wicks raise the question: Are the emissions from these candles worse for the climate than simply leaving the lights on? After all, candles emit carbon dioxide too.

The answer: It depends on what kind of candles you use, how many of them you burn, and where you get your electricity from.

Most candles are made of paraffin, a heavy hydrocarbon derived from crude oil. Burning a paraffin candle for one hour will release about 10 grams of carbon dioxide.

As Australian blogger Enoch the Red pointed out after last year’s Earth Hour that an average Australian who tries to replace all the light produced by an incandescent bulb with light cast by parrifin candles will result in about 10 times the greenhouse emissions.

But of course most of us aren’t going to burn 40 candles for every bulb we leave off. The idea here is to make our cities and towns go dark for an hour, not to create a major fire hazard.

So what if you just replace a single paraffin candle with a single bulb? This was the question Zeke Hausfather, the executive vice president of energy science for Climate Culture, an online carbon measurement and reduction utility, tried to answer for the Bright Green Blog.

In an email, Mr. Hausfather noted that emissions vary widely, depending on where you live. In California, which has some of the country’s lowest emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity, running a 60-watt incandescent bulb for an hour would emit about 24 grams of CO2. In Kansas, which has some of the highest emissions, it would emit almost 60 grams.

Therefore, Hausfather concludes “using a candle instead of an incandescent bulb unambiguously reduces your carbon emissions.”

But what about more efficient bulbs? After all, if you’re bothering to participate in a global-warming-consciousness-raising event, there’s a good chance you’ve already swapped out your incandescents for CFLs, right?

Depending on where you live and what wattage bulb you use, lighting a candle instead of a CFL could result in a net increase of CO2 emissions. In California, a CFL will emit about 5 grams per hour. In Kansas, it’s almost 13 grams.

Hausfather provides this handy map. The red areas represent net emission increases for those who burn a candle instead of a CFL. The green areas represent net reductions.

Does lighting candles for Earth Hour defeat the purpose? | csmonitor.com

The idea with Earth Hour isn't to exchange one form of energy use for another, it's to HALT energy use.

Go for a walk. Hang out with friends (in the dark). Play with your dog. Don't use light.

snowy · 03-28-2009, 12:08 PM

What about beeswax candles? I'm truly curious. The only candle we have is beeswax, not paraffin, and I wonder if it makes a difference.

At any rate, I'm not sure. I'm conflicted. It's a meaningless gesture on the one hand, and on the other, I sometimes enjoy participating in meaningless gestures.

genuinegirly · 03-28-2009, 12:15 PM

Hmmm. I'll be in my lab. I'm pretty sure it will mess with my blue-light experiments if I shut off the lights.

shesus · 03-28-2009, 12:20 PM

I agree that I think the whole thing is a big show. I think that people should make a difference everyday. The posters they had up in the building I work in were classic: 'Supporting Earth Hour to show what we can do.' If they can do it, why don't they do it more often? Although, I'm really not sure what a difference it would make. The Earth was around before us and will be here after us unless it gets smashed by a meteor or something. No amount of energy conservation will save that. Unless it is light sensored and by turning off the lights we'll be able to hide from it.

Where I work, the building gave away free light bulbs yesterday for the Earth hour. I'm going to try it out at 8:30 tonight. The whole idea is crazy and makes no difference just like the 'stick it to the man and don't purchase gas on such and such a date' day.

SecretMethod70 · 03-28-2009, 12:25 PM

Allow me to join in on the cynicism. Yes it has a PR purpose, yes it has an impact, although relatively minor, but yes, it is something that most people do to feel good about themselves and then go back to living the same way they always have. It's even more ridiculous with businesses participating.

The gas boycott comparison is quite apt.

Willravel · 03-28-2009, 12:37 PM

Theoretically beeswax releases less CO2, but it still releases some. I think the idea is to stop CO2 for an hour.

genuinegirly · 03-28-2009, 01:01 PM

I'm still going to breathe for that hour, though - ok?
I probably release more carbon dioxide than a beeswax candle.

I'm just giving you a hard time, Willravel.
If I were home this evening, and not at work, I would celebrate Earth Hour.

dlish · 03-28-2009, 06:01 PM

i spent earth hour watching the Dubai World Cup horse race on the big screen. they had massive fireworks and the place was all lit up. it was amazingly glutaneous.

i dont think they even give a damn.

go figure

shesus · 03-28-2009, 06:08 PM

I'd like to say that it is now Earth hour. I have the television on with the DVD Player icon bouncing on the screen, a couple lights on, and 4 computers. Feel the love.

I believe that since I walk or use public transportation I am helping out everyday.

Cynthetiq · 03-28-2009, 06:29 PM

w00t! Earth Hour for the win!!!!

I don't participate in this. I do plenty from walking to just about every place I need to go or taking public transportation.

snowy · 03-28-2009, 09:03 PM

The Blazer game was on. Couldn't miss it!

shesus · 03-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowy

The Blazer game was on. Couldn't miss it!

I'm quite disappointed snowy. I thought you of all people would care about the Earth.

JumpinJesus · 03-28-2009, 09:09 PM

The earth can go to hell...It knows what it did....And that's all I'm going to say about that.

spectre · 03-28-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JumpinJesus

The earth can go to hell...It knows what it did....And that's all I'm going to say about that.

It touched you in the naughty place, didn't it?

snowy · 03-28-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shesus

I'm quite disappointed snowy. I thought you of all people would care about the Earth.

Admittedly, watching the Blazers beat Memphis wasn't as entertaining as I'd hoped it would be (Thursday's game against Phoenix was better) but we're getting closer to the playoffs and the pressure is on.

I love the Blazers more than the planet...

Willravel · 03-28-2009, 09:51 PM

I took Jack for a walk. We ran from a skunk. It was an eventful hour.

FuglyStick · 03-28-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spectre

It touched you in the naughty place, didn't it?

Nature is not to be trusted

Xerxys · 03-29-2009, 12:46 AM

I turn off everything in the apt except my fridge before I leave in the morning. I only roughly use my computer at night. I guess I inadvertently participated, happy Will?

03-28-2009, 12:08 PM	#83 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	What about beeswax candles? I'm truly curious. The only candle we have is beeswax, not paraffin, and I wonder if it makes a difference. At any rate, I'm not sure. I'm conflicted. It's a meaningless gesture on the one hand, and on the other, I sometimes enjoy participating in meaningless gestures. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

03-28-2009, 12:15 PM	#84 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Hmmm. I'll be in my lab. I'm pretty sure it will mess with my blue-light experiments if I shut off the lights. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

03-28-2009, 12:20 PM	#85 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	I agree that I think the whole thing is a big show. I think that people should make a difference everyday. The posters they had up in the building I work in were classic: 'Supporting Earth Hour to show what we can do.' If they can do it, why don't they do it more often? Although, I'm really not sure what a difference it would make. The Earth was around before us and will be here after us unless it gets smashed by a meteor or something. No amount of energy conservation will save that. Unless it is light sensored and by turning off the lights we'll be able to hide from it. Where I work, the building gave away free light bulbs yesterday for the Earth hour. I'm going to try it out at 8:30 tonight. The whole idea is crazy and makes no difference just like the 'stick it to the man and don't purchase gas on such and such a date' day. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

03-28-2009, 12:25 PM	#86 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	Allow me to join in on the cynicism. Yes it has a PR purpose, yes it has an impact, although relatively minor, but yes, it is something that most people do to feel good about themselves and then go back to living the same way they always have. It's even more ridiculous with businesses participating. The gas boycott comparison is quite apt. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

03-28-2009, 01:01 PM	#88 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	I'm still going to breathe for that hour, though - ok? I probably release more carbon dioxide than a beeswax candle. I'm just giving you a hard time, Willravel. If I were home this evening, and not at work, I would celebrate Earth Hour. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

03-25-2009, 07:16 PM	#81 (permalink)
percy Addict	I am going to turn every light on in my house so that the fire department will have a reference point to find the house that is ablaze because of someone turning off their lights and burning candles. But seriously if turning off your lights makes people feel like they are contributing, good for them. We all need to feel worthy once in a while. Personally I couldn't care less. Not trying to offend anyone but I am more impressed with people who contribute at a realistic, hands on level supporting causes like child poverty, abused women, the homeless. I mean people who are out on the streets helping those who can't help themselves. People who are physically and emotionally touching peoples lives, everyday, not just when the bandwagon rolls around. Global warming? Saving the planet? Turning off the lights? Can we be any more ambiguous in our efforts to feel so good about something that really takes very little thought or effort? I guess we all need a cause. I just wish more people were into more immediate causes that will actually do something for someone instead of cliquee, trendy episodes of correctness while drinking their Starbucks, waiting for the hour to be up so that they can turn the lights back on and revel in the artificial sanctimonium to actually think they accomplished something

03-28-2009, 12:37 PM	#87 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Theoretically beeswax releases less CO2, but it still releases some. I think the idea is to stop CO2 for an hour.

03-28-2009, 06:01 PM	#89 (permalink)
dlish Currently sour but formerly Dlishs Super Moderator Location: Australia/UAE	i spent earth hour watching the Dubai World Cup horse race on the big screen. they had massive fireworks and the place was all lit up. it was amazingly glutaneous. i dont think they even give a damn. go figure __________________ An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay? - Filthy

03-28-2009, 06:08 PM	#90 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	I'd like to say that it is now Earth hour. I have the television on with the DVD Player icon bouncing on the screen, a couple lights on, and 4 computers. Feel the love. I believe that since I walk or use public transportation I am helping out everyday. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

03-28-2009, 06:29 PM	#91 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	w00t! Earth Hour for the win!!!! I don't participate in this. I do plenty from walking to just about every place I need to go or taking public transportation. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

03-28-2009, 09:03 PM	#92 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	The Blazer game was on. Couldn't miss it! __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

03-28-2009, 09:09 PM	#94 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	The earth can go to hell...It knows what it did....And that's all I'm going to say about that. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

03-28-2009, 09:51 PM	#97 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I took Jack for a walk. We ran from a skunk. It was an eventful hour.

03-29-2009, 12:46 AM	#99 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	I turn off everything in the apt except my fridge before I leave in the morning. I only roughly use my computer at night. I guess I inadvertently participated, happy Will?