To commemorate the Earth Day on 4/22, TKU joined the campaign “Save our air” that was launched by the government as an effort to reduce CO2 emission. One way of doing this is to save daily energy consumption such as conserve water and electricity. According to Shen Chien-her, a technician from the Office for General Affairs, TKU has been rather good in conserving water, which is evidenced by the marginal growth in its water bill. “We hope to achieve zero growth very soon,” he said.

In this light, the campaign on the Earth day in TKU campus focused on electricity conservation by calling for turning off the light whenever possible. As a result, Chueh Sheng Memorial Library switched off all its lights in the office areas at 12 noon on that day. According to library staff, the library has always been very conscious of energy conservation and has taken practical measures to achieve that in daily operation. For example, in the reference area, use of computers is regulated according to demand, so that not all computers are switched on all the time. Furthermore, students can download data easily without resorting to printing, which can save hundreds of cartridges each year. With this good record of conservation, to be in the dark for a while on this day is mainly a sign of solidarity rather than energy saving.

Huang Hong-chu, the Director of the library explains that the library was designed in the first place to conserve energy by allowing plenty of natural light in. When artificial light is needed, the energy saving type is used. Recycle bins are on every floor so that students have no excuse not to sort out their garbage. The Office of Physical Education has followed suit this year. Starting in April this year onward, it has been strict in conserving energy. One step is to restrict the use of elevators at certain hours in the gym. Take the stairs instead, they suggest. You’re here to exercise, right?

These simple but important environmental measures are well received by students. Instead of complaining about inconveniences, Cheng Yi-zhi, a junior from the Department of Architecture, says they are her second nature. To turn off light when not in use, to conserve water, and using his own chopsticks are as natural as breathing, he laughed. Chen Wai-hsing, a junior from the Dept. of Mass Communications, also indicates that he always unplugs devices he does not use often and flushes his toilet after shower with the same water. He is a firm believer that conservation begins with small things as such. Shen Chien-her couldn’t agree more. He points out that TKU will install more energy saving bulbs, restricted water fixtures, and flow-controlled toilets to save even more energy. “We are all part of the Earth, so there is no exception in doing our share of work,” he emphasizes. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )