Posted on July 24, 2008 by Kathy McManus in All, Environment, Ethics, Law Comments (14)
Cold But Not Cool: Time to Close the Door?
Cold air is a hot topic.
Especially in summer.
‘Tis the season for cranking up the air conditioning, as shops and stores across the country blast arctic air out their front doors, wide open, non stop.
But if you embrace the door-busting chill, are you a cool customer or an unwitting accomplice to an irresponsible environmental crime?
“It’s about as wasteful an energy practice as one can imagine,” says an environmental attorney about running ACs full throttle with exterior doors open. “It’s like leaving the gasoline station pumps gushing fuel whether the vehicles are filling up or not.”
In New York City, where the mega-consumption of electricity in hot weather can lead to blackouts, brownouts, and assorted other meltdowns, some citizens are aghast at doors agape, with cold air “pouring wastefully, senselessly—outrageously—onto the sidewalk”, as one newspaper columnist described it.
Consumers who confront store clerks about squandering energy are invariably dismissed with the most frigid of responses: “It’s company policy.” A city councilwoman introduced legislation to stop the practice, saying businesses won’t do the right thing unless the law forces them. Her proposal includes fines of $200 for each open door or window. But the initiative lacks the support of the mayor, who believes it’s not the city’s responsibility to force cold change.
That has left residents who see red to act green on their own, going to offending establishments and closing the doors. The super-heated debate could lead to a slippery slope, cautions a University of Toronto psychologist. People waste energy in all sorts of ways, he said. “Should there be a law against leaving the lights on unnecessarily?”
Tell us what you think: Should wasting energy be illegal? If it’s not cool to crank out cold air, who’s responsible for shutting the door?
Comments (14)
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I can see both sides
On the one hand, I can see how such a law would be a bad idea, if it went so far as to fine for leaving your light on, but yeah, if you’re in New York City, and there are blackouts and brownouts because of irresponsible energy consumption, then by all means, people, use some common sense, and use sidewalk signs and other advertisements (which are, by the way tax deductible) to get people to come in, rather than wasting energy to cool someone off as they momentarily stroll past your open door… In Iowa they have made public smoking illegal because of health ramifications. We need to protect our environment, and I think, just as with smoking, if people won’t act responsible without legal ramifications, by all means, make a law. If people don’t want it to be a law, because of the great land we live in, they can vote against it.
It's just the tip of the iceberg (sorry about that
If we are serious about slowing down or preventing further climate change we will have to accept life style changes that go WAY BEYOND avoiding this kind of obvious and easily avoided waste of energy.
It is obvious from this example that there are enough irresponsible people and businesses that purely voluntary behavior cannot be counted on.
No Brakes!!!
In step with the idea of this being a slippery slope, I’d like to pose the following question? Where do you stop? Don’t get me wrong. I certainly see the wastefulness of this and as I become more and more eco-aware find it mind-boggling that we are this irresponsible (although, I have to admit, I’ve walked past these types of businesses in other areas of the country and thoroughly enjoyed the reprieve from the oppressive summer heat and humidity). However, let’s say we’ll put on the brakes once we get businesses in line – we’ll leave individual residents alone to handle their energy the way they want. Even there, if we decided to legislate against wanton waste of energy, do we shut down or black out Vegas? Do they really “need” all those lights and pyrotechnics? Water parks. Yeah, they’re a business, but how much energy are they wasting? Just something to think about.
Good first step
I agree with the other two posters. People are wasteful, but you can’t force them to conserve energy. Although you would think that something like not leaving your door open with the air conditioning on is common sense-its not. Shame on them for being so wasteful. But, its a thing you can’t do anything about unless you create laws to prevent this practice. But I do see the other side. It’s almost like the recycling issue. Where I live, nobody recycles. I do, but I can see how someone would think its not cost effective. First of all, you have to live in a house to be able to get recycling service through any trash service. And then, it costs twenty plus dollars a month for them to pick up a small two foot by two foot container that is only six inches deep. And the public recycling center is very rarely emptied, so sometimes when you want to drop off your recycling, its full-meaning you have to hold onto it for another week or two. Conserving energy and recycling should be something that we all do! Voluntarily would be nice, but lets be honest here-its not always something that people want to do or choose to do on their own.
Like Watering the Lawn
I see this issue similarly to the ban local authorities place on homeowners when there is a water shortage – they ban the practice of watering your lawn too often and restrict the chore to certain days of the week. How is this any different? Yes, you pay for water, and when there is plenty you can argue that it’s yours to waste, but when there is little it seems that the majority’s interest should rule.
In this case, a local ordinance can get people to cooperate. Let’s face it, we’re in the 21st century now and the rules are going to have to change. It’s shameful to be wasteful. When an individual is irresponsible with a resource the majority needs, it’s the majority’s responsibility to step in a take control.
Just who are YOU
Just who are YOU to tell me what I can or cannot do with my business? Do I not pay for the energy consumption that creates that wonderful cold air? Isn’t it my “right” to allow it out of my store or to send it anywhere I wish…since I DID pay for it?
That sure sounds stupid doesn’t it? Well it is and the problem we face is that this is the prevalent attitude in American society. The whole “who are you to tell me” issue is what is destroying the fabric of our country. We are faced with a culture who thinks that because we are free we can do whatever we want… that is dead WRONG! We must act responsibly with what we are given—be it our lives, our children, our resources and even our attitudes. What we do affects others. Sure, freedom allows us to express ourselves, but if it infringes upon MY freedom you do not have that right (e.g. ####). If you believe that your freedom allows you to consume as much energy as you want to pay for, again you are infringing upon my freedom by wasting the limited resources we have to work with. Take for instance the current “energy crunch” and oil. Your freedom to drive a SUV that gets 15 mpg, for no practical reason other than you wanted it so you bought it, wastes resources that are meant to be “shared” by all of us. Your desire to finance a house, TV, game system, miscellaneous other toys ON CREDIT because you “needed” them, again infringes on my right to have a country that has a stable economy free from the burden of bailing you out when you can’t afford to pay the bills when they come due (read: current mortgage and credit crises). Your “freedom” to live your life to the fullest, paycheck to paycheck, and not save for the future FOR YOURSELF infringes upon MY freedom to a secure retirement since I will have to support you in your old age since I plan on being one of the “haves”. Your freedom to use or take drugs infringes upon MY freedom by creating the war on our southern border between the drug lords trying to ship their garbage to you!
The concept of this site is wonderful! It’s about time people started talking about where the change needs to take place. With YOU! It is YOUR fault! The poster who did not recycle because it was inconvenient??? WHAT?!? Now there is an “inconvenient truth”. I bet you drive by a community center some time in your life? Put the recycling in your garage, backyard, wherever, and one Saturday a month take it to the youth group at a local church or to the Boy Scouts, I bet you a dollar they will wait at the recycling center to turn those cans and paper into a couple of bucks. Stop making excuses and being politically correct… start doing something. New laws are NOT the answer! Action is.
Itsyourownfault
I am the poster who you think does not recycle. I do recycle,as I clearly stated in my post- and I also compost, and have my own garden. I carpool, I conserve water and electricity. My thermostat is on 76-no frigid cold air in here. I do my best with what resources I and my family have. I was simply stating that I think it should be more convenient for EVERYONE to recycle. I think its a shame that my community thinks so little of recycling. I think everyone should do it-because its the right thing to do. And as you have stated, everyone will not always do the right thing, especially if it isn’t convenient. Which is where I think a law would be helpful to the cause-to help along the people who don’t want to be bothered with the inconvenience of conserving electricity and recycling.
RE: Itsyourownfault
Sorry, did not mean to offend
I must have phrased it wrong; I did not intend to assume you personally did not recycle. I was merely trying to make the same point that you have echoed: that because of the abuse of our “freedom” we as a society have become lazy, and if it’s not convenient then we won’t do it.
For what it’s worth, my wife agrees wholeheartedly with you that our cities should encourage regular recycling by distributing bins to residents automatically and implementing weekly pick-up service along with the neighborhood garbage pick-up. In her parents’ city in Southern California, it is mandatory and each residence is given color-coded recycling bins the size of garbage cans in order to make recycling (and sorting recyclables) as convenient as possible, thus eliminating the excuses not to do it. My wife, while agreeing with me regarding personal responsibility, warms to this particular kind of “compulsory recycling” (that said she is rather wary when the label “mandatory” is attached to such programs).
In my opinion, it is a slippery slope. Where does it stop? I live in Texas and keep my thermostat at a balmy 82 (tired of the $400 electric bills), but I don’t want the government to tell me where I can or cannot keep my thermostat or what kind of car to drive or how much I can drive or what I can or cannot eat, drink, smoke, etc. (Heck, my in-laws’ city just passed legislation outlawing plastic grocery bags in all the stores—at some point it goes from ridiculous to cartoonish!)
Look, what I am trying to say is that we need to teach each other how to save and conserve, not dictate it. The problem is we have become so dependent on the government to tell us right from wrong that we have failed to take any initiative for ourselves. Do your (general “you”) part and continue to share your wisdom with your children and your neighbors; I’ll do the same and perhaps one day we’ll all get it. Until then, we will have to keep working on spreading the word ourselves…I’m not going to demand that you live a certain way, but I will help inform you of better choices, better ways to live. But that’s what it comes down to—making the right choices ourselves as thinking, breathing individuals…not increasing governmental coercion.
its ok
It’s ok. I understand. And I would like to say that I may have over-reacted. My ten month old has been feverish for three days, is teething, and hasn’t slept in as many days. So, I was a little over the edge when I replied to you. I would like to say that I agree with you a hundred and ten percent. Many communities, big and small, need to make recycling/reusing/reducing much easier than it is now! From making recycling bins available to having recycling centers available that accept ALL types of recycling(many in this area don’t, especially in the smaller towns). It’s an effort we all have to work together to accomplish! And if each of us helps someone else start, then this world will be a wonderful place!
Great Discussion
I recycle. My workplace recycles soda cans and bottles in the cafeteria, but I find myself constantly bringing up the subject at weekly meetings as so many people just throw their containers in the trash—even the can that is RIGHT NEXT TO the recycling container (sigh). So I pull out all containers I can during lunch, then get criticized by other workers for an unsanitary practice (was pleased to get the support of management, who responded to that comment by saying “Please recycle”).
It truly is an uphill battle. On a more positive note, my church has chosen to “go green”, auditing everything from recycling (which we have been doing) to energy and water use to use of paper cups and kitchen towels.
It is truly an education issue, and one of making our generally selfish, individualistic society see the greater good in cooperation for the common benefit. Not sure how to do that as we each spend more time interacting over the computer, alone in our rooms (or three in a room with three computers), but maybe blogs like this will help us reach out to people with similar thoughts and exchange ideas that we can bring back to our communities.
Laws, Responsibility, "they"-focus
I find, that every law we have is a sign for humanities immaturity. It clearly states, that somebody is too immature to do what common sense would advise needs to done, or refrain from doing what shouldn’t be done. Well, if we add yet another law, we just are re-iterating and re-asserting our state of immaturity.
I find, one of the differences between animals and humans is,that while animals mostly follow their instincts and hard-wired, natural behavior patterns, we humans have a brain we could use. Growing up, unfortunately, we are often just told “…to do as we’re told”. That kind of training fosters our inability to think for ourselves, and encourages us to shift control and responsibility for our actions to others.
When we’re grown, we feel powerless, and ask for laws. We do anything without thinking about the greater consequences. We blame the government, the big corporations, the school-system… anybody and anything – except ourselves.
In reality, however, only I can change something. I can not change you, but just myself. As long as I focus on what others ought to do or not to do, I am not able to look at myself. Once I look at myself, I can start changing myself, and with that I change the world.
Focusing on others, also increases the likelihood that I am attempting to manipulate and control somebody else. All of resist such attempts to the bets of our abilities.
If I tell somebody what to do, I am restricting their ability to choose and to live. I also am trying to assume responsibility for their actions.
I think it is a good thing to share information, help people around me understand what I think the consequences are of certain behaviors. However, I strongly believe, that I have to leave it up to the other person to make their own choice.
When I see an open door, I often ask for the manager, and explain to them the impact of energy production (global warming). I try to help them understand that it is their choice whether they want to be part of the problem or part of the solution. I point out, that this is their chance to make a great contribution, in their role as the manager of this store. To stand up and be strong, and be an example. Sometimes I also go and send an email to corporate headquarters. And, sometimes, I choose not to go to that store, but to their competition who has their doors closed. To not spend my money with them is how I can send a signal. Whether they receive the signal or not is their responsibility…
To summarize, I believe
Very idealistic view-point, I know. However, I guess, it’s the only hope we really have…
PS: I was pondering the topic of Law and current Legal System a view weeks ago. If you like, here’s the link to it: http://www.smat-consulting.com/thoughts/spiritualRevolution/2008/07/new-approach-needed-legal-system.html.
RE: Laws, Responsibility, "they"-focus
Great Post
No, I don’t think you’re too idealistic. Many other countries have fewer personal-behavior laws; France comes to mind as a place where our smoking restrictions are criticized. We seem to have lost a “take responsibility for your own actions” outlook, to some extent, and it seems that education has become less about learning to think and more about following rules. These are not good developments. Passing laws is a shortcut to meaningful dialogue and individual/community responsibility, IMHO, but I don’t know exactly how to reverse the trend. Suggestions?
RE: Great Post
What to do?
Get involved in the process. We all read and see on TV the silliness that occurs in our government. Yet we keep electing the same people to congress… how many congressmen/women have served multiple terms? How many Senators? Good Golly, Joe Biden has been in the Senate for 30 years… John McCain 24. Um, what are THEY doing that shows personal responsibility in Government? People need to stop looking at candidates by party but be actions. It starts at your own city council… stupid laws designed to “help” are only hurting the citizens ability to think and make decisions for themselves. You would think the “Grand Experiment” of Welfare from the Sixties and Seventies would have taught us something. The welfare reform of 1996 PROVED if people are made to assume responsibility for them selves they will. Let’s stop the unnecessary lawmaking and have the citizenry be the adults they are. Get involved and make a change… not the kind Sen. Obama is asking for but real change where we ask the government to protect us but not to tell us how to live.
Why Not?
It’s not only cold air that is going right outside the window, but common sense as well. With electric prices soaring 20% does it make sense? No, it is hurtful and sends that double message that leaves looking like hypocrites. We don’t practice what we preach. This is wrongful, but it continues until a whistle blower exposes the wasteful spending.