One of the discussions in class this week was talking about how just unplugging a phone charger, or another phantom energy sucker, won’t do much to help combat our energy crisis. On page 3 of Without Hot Air, David MacKay talks about people telling you that unplugging electronics that are in standby mode and every little bit helps is “crazy innumerate codswallop.” He says, “if everyone does a little, we’ll achieve only a little.” I disagree. I think that people like the BBC and its American counterpart, whatever that may be, encourage us to do things as simple as unplugging our phone charger because it makes us think, it gets the ball rolling, it makes us start to think about our decisions. If we get in the habit of unplugging phone chargers, or unplugging you printer, turning off lights, reducing the thermostat by 1º, it could lead people to install low flow shower heads, upgrading to energy efficient appliances, collecting rainwater, and then even to install solar panels or drive a hybrid. I mean I understand what MacKay is saying, just unplugging your phone charger will barely make a difference, so why do it? Because it’s not the act, it’s the practice.
This subject came to mind when I was grocery shopping today. My boyfriend likes to stick to brands he knows, he is your typical ‘man’ when it comes to shopping, and hates accompanying me shopping. But one thing I noticed is that when he tries to put a name brand product in the cart, and I grab it, put it back, and replace it in the cart with a generic item, he always says: “it’s only a couple cents cheaper, what’s the big deal?” I have finally realized that he’s right (he can never know I said that), just a couple cents is not a big deal, but if I do that, choose the cheaper generic instead of the name brand on every item I buy, it adds up; I can usually save 15-20%. MacKay has the same thinking, if all you do is ‘just unplug your phone charger’ (this example is getting old, sorry), then you will only save a couple cents, but if you take that perspective with everything you do, then it will add up! But then again, that’s just my two cents. (hahaha)
I really like your take on this. I definitely keep flip-flopping back on forth on the matter -- does it really make a difference if I unplug my cellphone charger for one night?
ReplyDeleteBut I think you're right: it's the action, not just the thought. One small step can lead to something bigger, then bigger, then eventually so big that a significant change is being made! At least this is the hope.
You should make your boyfriend read MacKay!! Haha. I also always think "it's ok, I can give up a few cents." But when it comes down to it, everything adds up and we need to choose our battles. Should we save those cents on generic products vs. brand products? Or should we save those cents in terms of an energy bill? I guess if you really want to improve a life somewhere, buy a brand name and give 50 cents to someone who needs it. There are opportunities to make changes everywhere!