Do it in the dark

do it in the dark

Do it in the dark is the name for the Williams energy saving competition. It was first held in the fall of 2005 and was repeated in the spring of 2006. It is a month-long contest to measure which house can reduce its energy usage the most by turning off lights, computers and other electric devices.

You can check on your house's weekly progress by visiting http://www.williams.edu/admin/facilities/energy/meter_list.pdf.

The Winner of Spring 2006 Do It In The Dark is: Dodd Annex

Energy Saving Tips

To be good:

• Turn off your lights (the myth of using more energy if you turn on and off lights is only true for flourescent bulbs older than about 15 years, so no)
• Hibernate or shut down your computer
• Turn off your power strip (adapters draw power even when not used)
• Take shorter showers
• Wash your clothes on the cold water ("bright colors") setting
• Ask friends to do it in the dark with you!

To cheat on the contest a little:

• Charge your laptop in Goodrich or the Library
• Spend more time at your boyfriends/girlfriends room

Past Winners

In the fall first prize went to Morgan, led by the notorious Morgan ME entry. The upperclass competition was won by Lambert House.

Organizers

The competition is a joint effort between Greensense, CEAC and Facilities, and of course every student living on campus. It is partly inspired by the student body's environmental principles and partly by the college's response to rising energy costs.

Prizes

The fall 2005 prize consisted of a free night for the house at Images with snacks. The spring 2006 prize will be an amazing "Renew Your Energy" Extravaganza, complete with Ben and Jerry's ice cream sundaes, pizza, drinks, massages, puppies, and more, in the house and right before finals week. Winners will also be eulogized in verse in all campus publifications. In future years the competition is hoped to figure into the House Cup and other neighborhood activities.