As temperatures drop and winter approaches, it is an important time of year to look back at past efforts to save energy. It was 32 years ago that American President Jimmy Carter asked of a nation to sacrifice in the name of energy conservation. It was a simply act in nature, and yet effective in a time of an energy crisis. A crisis, in fact, that President Carter called the “moral equivalent of war.” While the government would attempt to pass legislation, he hoped that Americans would do there part. Just as Franklin D. Roosevelt asked a country to sacrifice during World War II, and just as George W. Bush asked nothing of a country when he declared war, Carter’s equivalent required work.
The words spoken in 1977 still echo through the years. Of his plan, he said, “It will demand that we make sacrifices and changes in our lives. To some degree, the sacrifices will be painful —but so is any meaningful sacrifice. It will lead to some higher costs, and to some greater inconveniences for everyone. But the sacrifices will be gradual, realistic and necessary. “
He asked then of everyone to make changes in their daily lives, and these are changes that can and should still be made today. They may be inconvenient, and may require more effort, but they are important, as most acts of sacrifice tend to be. Specifically, he asked that when the weather is cold, people should, instead of turning up the thermostat, just put on a sweater. Wearing a sweater himself when he made this speech, President Carter was unfortunately greeted with much resistant and stubbornness. He did not deliver the proposal with neither the charisma of Barack Obama nor the inflexibility of George W. Bush. He was lambasted and his presidency continued to struggle.
This call for action has hardly been repeated in history by a leader with such power and sway.
This winter, however, his idea still rings true. Using less energy is an easy way to live a greener and more sustainable (and cheaper) lifestyle. Reducing heat loss by installing more effective insulation, sealing windows properly, and yes, wearing sweaters, uses less energy throughout the winter. Programmable thermostats are too a useful tool (and gift!) this holiday season.
It is by no means the only action necessary, nor was it ever meant to be. However it is still a simple and effective means by which to save energy and make a difference. Of the energy crises, President Carter declared, “If we fail to act soon, we will face an economic, social and political crisis that will threaten our free institutions. But we still have another choice. We can begin to prepare right now. We can decide to act while there is time.”
He was correct then and is still correct now. There is still time this December to make a difference.
