By Jody Record, Media Relations
Anyone who has the slightest doubt about small energy-saving practices feeding a larger conservation whole need only walk through “UNH Unplugged: An Exhibition on Energy” now on display at the UNH Museum in Dimond Library.
The hands-on demonstrations make their point immediately. One involves sitting in a chair and using pedal power to light up either a compact fluorescent or incandescent bulb: it takes mere seconds for the compact fluorescent. The traditional light bulb needs about twice as many pedals to get glowing.
The same two kinds of light bulbs are connected to an electric meter. Flipping on the fluorescent causes the meter’s wheel to barely move. Turning on the other bulb sets it spinning.
Then there’s the display promoting the unplugging of equipment as an energy saving measure. Six plugs representing links to a cordless telephone, wireless modem, cell phone charger, scanner, and computer speakers are connected to a digital watt meter. Even though none of the equipment is on, the meter still registers wattage, supporting a “not just off but out” philosophy of unplugging electronics not in use.
The exhibit offers information on wind, solar and biodiesel fuel sources, outlining initiatives being undertaken at the university, including operating half of the Campus Connector buses on biodiesel.
There’s an area on “using less” where people can respond to the effort made by one person who outlines the goal to use fewer plastic bags at the grocery store. Others noted their contributions, such as walking to work, taking the bus, turning off and unplugging their computer at night and, washing clothes in cold water and only when there is a full load.
“UNH Unplugged” also presents the history of two citizen groups, Save Our Shores,and the Seacoast Clamshell Alliance, both of whom took a stand against controversial energy production plans in the 1970s.
SOS won when they fought Aristotle Onassis’ attempt to build an oil refinery in Durham during the 1973 oil crisis. In March of 1974, 1,200 Durham residents voted against the proposal, effectively killing the project and sending Onassis elsewhere.
The Clamshell Alliance lost its battle to keep Seabrook Station nuclear power plant from being built.
A computer demo of a virtual dorm room shows how much energy can be saved by using Energy Star products. Energy Star is a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
According to the UNH Energy Office, using Energy Star products can save faculty and staff up to 30 percent in energy costs while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“UNH Unplugged” runs through December 15, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.