Green Mountainside and Sustainability
November, 2013, Dave Murphy
In preparing for the 2013 GMCA Holiday Lights event, we reacted to suggestions made by neighbors that the matter of Sustainability be a component of the event. We began to research the matter. We found that the recognition of the importance of sustainability, a.k.a. conservation, was universal. A vast majority of those in our discussions were absolutely in favor (even as some wanted to remain anonymous).
How does this apply to the GMCA Holiday Lights event? We sought advice from the City of Lakewood. Examination of Lakewood’s website showed an extensive dedication by the city to sustainability.
http://www.lakewood.org/City_Managers_Office/Sustainability/Sustainability.aspx
I met with Erich Harris, Sustainability Division Manager.
GMCA: "We're interested in having sustainability be a factor in our Holiday Lights. What are the factors we might use?"
Harris: "First, I certainly do not recommend sign waving and demonstrations for sustainability and conservation. It doesn't work. Knowledge does. And recognizing the stake an individual has in sustainability will be an evolution in thinking. Be patient."
GMCA: "What are the facts as they apply to holiday decoration."
Harris: "Just about everything to do with sustainability ultimately comes down to energy efficiency. Whether it's recycling, pollution, energy creation, or lighting a Christmas tree, energy efficiency is just about always the first consideration. So my recommendations to our neighbors on Green Mountain at Christmas are simple.
GMCA: "Thanks Erich."
So these guidelines will be the ones we use this year to note a sustainability quality to lighting displays. When considering our displays this year, I suspect the bottom line is described in the third recommendation - imagination.
My chat with Erich didn't end there. We chatted about a wide range of topics about city planning, the city and the holidays. I continue to be facinated by the resources available to us at the city building. One subject was very interesting and I'm compelled to pass it on.
Erich was discussing various decorations and he observed that the typical artificial tree is required to be fire resistant. That certainly makes sense. But he went on to say that just about every effective fire retardant is a carcinogen. This is only a minor consideration for adults, but children, particularly babies and kids under 5, are particularly susceptible to carcinogens. The effects of course are long term. Food for thoughts.
Erich closed by noting that after the holiday, Lakewood has a recycle day for those old lights. When you switch to LED, don't throw the old ones out. Bring them over to the Quail Street city facility. The day will be announced in our bulletin and on NextDoor.com.
Happy Holidays.
How does this apply to the GMCA Holiday Lights event? We sought advice from the City of Lakewood. Examination of Lakewood’s website showed an extensive dedication by the city to sustainability.
http://www.lakewood.org/City_Managers_Office/Sustainability/Sustainability.aspx
I met with Erich Harris, Sustainability Division Manager.
GMCA: "We're interested in having sustainability be a factor in our Holiday Lights. What are the factors we might use?"
Harris: "First, I certainly do not recommend sign waving and demonstrations for sustainability and conservation. It doesn't work. Knowledge does. And recognizing the stake an individual has in sustainability will be an evolution in thinking. Be patient."
GMCA: "What are the facts as they apply to holiday decoration."
Harris: "Just about everything to do with sustainability ultimately comes down to energy efficiency. Whether it's recycling, pollution, energy creation, or lighting a Christmas tree, energy efficiency is just about always the first consideration. So my recommendations to our neighbors on Green Mountain at Christmas are simple.
- "First, use LED lighting. LEDs are 80% more efficient than conventional bulbs, and they last a lot longer.
- "Second, use timers on your lights and set them for a realistic period when just about everyone enjoys seeing your decorations, probably from dusk to about 10 PM. Don't use dusk-to-dawn timers.
- "Third, use your imagination to create displays that use fewer lights to get the same effect. Whether you are using one string of lights or hundreds, make them count.
- "Finally, have a wonderful holiday season. Decorations are a joy."
GMCA: "Thanks Erich."
So these guidelines will be the ones we use this year to note a sustainability quality to lighting displays. When considering our displays this year, I suspect the bottom line is described in the third recommendation - imagination.
My chat with Erich didn't end there. We chatted about a wide range of topics about city planning, the city and the holidays. I continue to be facinated by the resources available to us at the city building. One subject was very interesting and I'm compelled to pass it on.
Erich was discussing various decorations and he observed that the typical artificial tree is required to be fire resistant. That certainly makes sense. But he went on to say that just about every effective fire retardant is a carcinogen. This is only a minor consideration for adults, but children, particularly babies and kids under 5, are particularly susceptible to carcinogens. The effects of course are long term. Food for thoughts.
Erich closed by noting that after the holiday, Lakewood has a recycle day for those old lights. When you switch to LED, don't throw the old ones out. Bring them over to the Quail Street city facility. The day will be announced in our bulletin and on NextDoor.com.
Happy Holidays.