Purdue turns out the lights on Coca-Cola
Turning off the lights in Coke machines will save Purdue more than $7,000 and reduce carbon emissions by more than 87,000 pounds annually. (Purdue University photo/Jim Schenke)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University has turned off the lights in nearly 300 Coca-Cola vending machines on campus, a move that will cut energy usage by nearly 150,000 kilowatts per year.
The Lights out Campaign will save Purdue more than $7,000 in energy costs and will result in 87,000 pounds of carbon not being emitted into the air each year.
"Purdue continues to look for ways to lower its costs and protect the environment," said Dave Hardy, assistant director of Purdue Food Stores. "Working with Coca-Cola Enterprises, we found a way to make an immediate and marked difference."
Decals were placed on the machines indicating "My Beverages Are Still Cold" to make customers aware of the change.
The campaign is being highlighted during Purdue's Green Week 2010 (Oct. 4-8). Other events will encourage increasing recycling and bicycling and reducing electricity and water usage.
Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu
Source: Dave Hardy, 765-494-2017, dghardy@purdue.edu