Zoo Urges Hoosiers To Unplug

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Zoo is taking on the crisis of global warming one Hoosier household at a time.

The MyCarbonPledge initiative began last year with a simple request of Indiana families and businesses: switch out incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving CFLs.

This year, the zoo has issued another challenge, encouraging people to unplug unused appliances in an effort to cut "phantom" power, the energy wasted even when electric items aren't in use.

"It's so incredibly easy to be overwhelmed all the things you should change to be more eco-friendly," said Heather Grisham, a zoo outreach specialist. "We're asking for just one small change, and all those small changes, together, make a big difference."

The program centers on the MyCarbonPledge Web site, which allows users to pledge to replace a particular number of light bulbs or unplug certain appliances.

The results are displayed on a Google Earth map in an effort to encourage a larger sense of community action between individuals, schools and businesses.

The Adam's Mark on Indianapolis' west side joined the initiative as part of the hotel's internal commitment to going "green."

By switching to CFLs in guest rooms, banquet areas and staff offices, the company took more than 4,800 incandescent bulbs out of operation.

"It's a collaborative effort, and it's just amazing to see what our hotel alone can do to help our environment on a day-to-day basis," said Natasha Long, a sales manager who helped spearhead the effort. "It's one step at a time."

So far, more than 4,200 people and organizations have taken part in MyCarbonPledge, replacing more than 61,000 light bulbs and unplugging nearly 3,000 appliances for a combined impact of 8.2 million pounds of carbon saved, Grisham said.

And it's not just Hoosiers taking part. The program has reached 42 states and five countries.

"We've been pleasantly surprised by the support," she said, citing a similar government program that took 10 years to replace 30,000 bulbs. "Small actions really can make a big impact."

The zoo conservation staff is already planning for next year's challenge, which Grisham said may have something to do with transportation.

Interested individuals can pledge on the MyCarbonPledge Web site, or while visiting the zoo.

More Information:

MyCarbonPledge