A rallying cry for eco common sense

Kaela Shiigi
February 16, 2010
Filed under Editorials, Top Stories

“Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom…”-Thomas Paine, “Common Sense”

I’m writing this editorial to rally people not for another Revolutionary War but for a green revolution. Over the past few years, our school has taken steps to make our campus “greener.” There’s solar heating in the pool, energy efficient lighting, and countless recycling bins around campus, but I think the students and faculty should also play an active role by making conscious decisions about their own impact.
First off, let’s start with the computers. There are four computer labs (counting lower school) plus numerous computer carts and a computer for every teacher in every classroom. Sometimes it’s okay to sleep in school… I mean putting computers to sleep. Sure, dancing lights and family pictures are entertaining, but according to Microsoft, a screen saver uses as much energy or more than a computer does when it’s awake. Sleep mode is the smart option and it takes only a few seconds for the computer to wake up.
Next, let’s try to limit vending machine consumption and bring our own reusable water bottles. Sure, that Gatorade bottle can be recycled, but it’s a lot better to just B.Y.O.R.B. or Bring Your Own Reusable Bottle. Buying a bottle of iced tea or a can of juice at a vending machine is okay sometimes but not every day. Bringing lunch in reusable containers is a good idea too.
Last but not least is the bathroom. Ten sheets of paper towel aren’t necessary to dry your hands. Leaving the water running after you’ve finished showering isn’t necessary either.
I may sound like some crazy tree hugging radical, but the Patriots were radicals too. So let’s impart some eco common sense into our daily lives and help our school to become a bit greener.