Friday, June 13, 2008

Waste

Dear public buildings:

I have a question that has long befuddled me: Why, why, why do public buildings insist on setting their thermostats so low during the summer? I came into work today and noticed that the temperature was set at 65 degrees. Of course, the thermostat is locked, so nobody can remedy the situation. More than being upset at the fact that I'm wearing a sweater and a shawl at my office when it's 90 degrees outside, I'm mostly just puzzled. Businesses are bottom line seekers, and NGOs are always trying to save a buck. So, if for no other reason, buildings should keep the temperature up just to save a little cash. Don't worry, I won't launch into a diatribe on its negative effects on the environment, but seriously... Do you know how much CO2 you're emitting unnecessarily? (I'll give you a hint: it's almost 1oo million metric tons per year.) Why haven't public buildings jumped on the green wagon with the rest of society?

I urge you to address this issue with as much haste as possible. Remember, people are freezing in their offices, money is being wasted, and the environment is going to pot. Thank you for your kindly consideration.

Heather Sanders

7 comments:

M. said...

AMEN!!! I have a sweater that i keep in my office just for that very reason! 2 of my coworkers have space heaters... and its 100 degrees outside!! go figure...
p.s. have fun tonight :)

Anderson's said...

I agree! Buildings are always too cold during the summer. Church buildings are freezing too. Who wants to bring a sweater to work or church when it is so hot outside.

Jecca Lee Ivie Johnson said...

I know they keep schools cold to keep kids awake through class. Do you think that could have something to do with it?

Anonymous said...

Remind me to tell you about the debate we had at our apartment over whether it would be more energy efficient to just turn our thermostat up while we are gone during the day or to just turn the thing off. I've never seen Joseph yell so loudly.

Lynnie said...

I really really love the last line. It always makes me smile in its "natural habitat" as well.

ashsan said...

YES! yes yes yes. i feel you, sista. why ngo's, why?

chelsea mckell said...

SEER-E-US-LEE.
You know me.. Im with ya 100%.
Had the same prob at United Way this winter (but opposite - freezing outside, sauna inside).
Though I dont mind cold temps at church - thats our tithing money at work to keep everyone awake.
Little trick at home: I dont use the AC at all - just open every window (with screens - gotta block bugs) from 8pm-8am. Totally chills mi casa.