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Science and Mathematics Education Institute
April 2010 Marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
Earth Day: April 25th, 2010
Earth Day 40 is a pivotal opportunity for people, corporations, and governments to join together to create a global green economy. Our coordinated efforts now will be recognized by future generations as a turning point.
April 1970 marked the first Earth Day - a time to learn and reflect on
environmental issues locally and globally, find out how to take action,
and celebrate the Earth.
As we are faced with the prospects of climate change, a need to change our
choice of energy production, and how to move to a sustainable lifestyle -
understanding and protecting the Earth take on a greater meaning.
I look forward to posting your events!
"For in the end we will conserve what we love. We will love only what we
understand. We will understand only what we are taught." Baba Dioum
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret
Mead
Paul Adams
Anschutz Professor of Education and Professor of Physics
Director, FHSU Sci Math Ed Institute
padams@fhsu.edu
785-628-4538 |
See below for Dr. Loretta Dorn's input!
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Dr. Loretta Dorn from the Chemistry Department at Fort Hays shared some “green” ideas with us:
“This past fall, at home, I finally implemented a change in my routine regarding electrical ppliances of all types. At night and during the day when I am at work, I now disconnect (by using a power strip with an off switch) these things (e.g., microwave, VCR, television, etc.) which, even when off, still draw power. On average, my electric bill has gone down between 25-30% each month. This is a very significant reduction in cost. It struck me in looking around my office and department, how many electrical appliances and devices like this we have here which continue to draw power 24/7. In my department alone, we have 9 printers, a copying machine, two microwaves, and various devices that require charging among other things. Also, I know for a fact that a fair percentage of faculty do not shut down their computers when they leave the office each day. When multiplied by all of the departments and offices on campus, I think we're looking at a large, unnecessary cost of power when no one is actually on campus. I think most senior faculty would remember when printers and copying machines had to be turned on before using. If we are really serious about dealing with the money issue in every way we can, then this should be something to think about. This could even be promoted as a "green and environmentally responsible" approach and even turned into a competition between buildings, with the added potential to save some significant money in our operating budget. Additionally, it would illustrate quite clearly to everyone in the FHSU “family” as well as to the community at large that we are committed to doing everything in our power, even at a cost of personal inconvenience, before we will consider sacrificing people for the cost of energy. I know for a fact that this approach works and works immediately. We could set a tremendous example by seriously implementing a program of cutting unnecessary power usage. It would get people into the habit of being more thoughtful about their utilization of power both at work and at home.”
-Dr. Loretta Dorn, FHSU Chemistry Dept
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