Exit Thataway

EXIT SIGNS

Did you know that the federal government actually mandated that exit signs had to be Energy Star compliant? Back in 2005, the EPA said that the famous, red sign had to be made with an input of five watts or less. Apparently, they suspended it or something last year, but every Exit Sign made after Jan. 1st, 2006 must be Energy Star efficient and can only have an input of five watts or less.

And why not?

We have all seen that big, red, lighted sign and know what it means. I would imagine that even foreign visitors to our country - or any English-speaking country - are familiar with the Exit Sign and know what it means. Heck, I would figure it is one of the first things they learn and if they use a travel agency or anything like that, I feel confident they at least have literature explaining it. So why would they need bulbs any brighter?

Stuff like that just wastes energy and even if you are not the "greenest" of the bunch or whatever, that is one of the easiest things anyone can do to save. I fully understand that this is a small step, but stop and think about how many of those signs there are across teh nation. Better yet, think of just how many there are across your own city - then multiply that by a few tens of thousands or so. Now are you starting to get the picture?

There are also edicts and acts mandating many buildings open to the public have so many of these signs, in place and visible to any and everyone at all times. Libraries, theaters, schools, courthouses - the federal buildings alone usually have five, six, or more. And there are at least one or two of those in every town, no matter the size. All of that adds up and all of it saves energy that can be better used elsewhere - like in conjunction with efforts to cure the common cold, or maybe the Swine Flu. Stuff like that.