Going Green . . . sometimes has its drawbacks.
I saw this story which I found interesting.
The world is in a huge “going green” movement right now making efforts to use recycled materials or designing new building and structures with energy efficient fixtures or systems. Many seek a LEED certification giving the owners a tax break or other incentives to invest in our future.
One of the changes in an everyday product is finding unexpected results. Was it a lack of testing in appropriate conditions or possibly a rush to get the product in the marketplace.
What I’m talking about is the traffic signal light that you see everyday. The electrical versions have been around since the 1920’s with the first gas type lights being used in Britain
With the changing times and everyone talking about energy there have been changes with traffic lights going to a more energy efficient LED light bulb. It may use less energy which is a good thing but with the new type bulb it also produces less heat than the older conventional incandescent bulb. What snowy cold weather states are reporting that have changed out to this LED signal is that snow builds up in and on the lights because there is not enough heat to help melt the snow off the signal.
It seems the inefficiency of the old bulb heated the fixture enough to melt any snow that landed or was blown onto the signal.
Accidents are happening as well as confusion from those traveling through them because they cannot tell which direction has the right of way. I’m sure a redesign is in the works but it leaves one wondering why it was not tested in a harsh environment before being installed in many areas.
Sometimes trying to build a better mousetrap defeats what has worked wonderfully for many years. It is like the old dance many of us face everyday . . . two steps forward, one step back.
We eventually will get there but not without a few mishaps along the way.
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