I was just watching a program on Planet Green Channel (episode #22 of "Wasted" about a family that is wasting electricity and other resources). The host was working with the family, and one of the people on the show made a statement regarding the use of candles to light rooms in the evening/night to save electricity (instead of leaving a light on in the room) and that it greatly decreased the carbon footprint.
The programs statement made me think about.....
(1) the safety concerns
-relating to lit candles in unattended rooms,
-children and pets around lit candles
(2) amount of carbon, resources, chemicals and energy that went into the production of the candle, shipping, and packaging,
(3) amount of carbon produced by a burning candle, (how much?)
(4) the carbon footprint of candles could vary - depends on the type of candle
(5) as a candle burns, carbon dioxide is given off
-requires proper ventilation (i.e. open window)
-this could cause a heater or AC to be running more frequently
What do you think? Do you have additional details, concerns, or support regarding the program's statement? I did a quick search and found a few sites that reference to the carbon footprint of using candles, but did not see data.
Please record your ideas as a comment to this posting (or turn in a hand written comment to Mrs. Fischer in class if the comments you try to post are not being accepted)
- if posted or handed in before 3pm on Friday, October 24th, students may get 5 points of extra credit.