People are only willing to save the environment when it suits them immediately. This at least might be the lesson Ohio University learns regarding the electricity producing elliptical machines in Ping Center. On February 3, The Post reported that the machines had generated less than one tenth of the 2,500 kilowatt-hours per year goal.
One model the university might consider is a program at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Copenhagen which offers guests a meal voucher for providing at least ten kilowatt-hours on a bike in their room, which serves a similar function as the elliptical machines in Ping.
This incentive would persuade students to, instead of using the treadmills and recumbent bikes - both of which consume energy - use an elliptical machine. Students not only get to help save the earth, but save themselves some money too.
Michael Dariano is a professor at Ohio University.
4 Opinion
Letter to the Editor
