“Green” Technology and Cuckoo Clocks

What do cuckoo clocks have to do with "green" technology? Traditional cuckoo clocks actually ARE green technology. A mechanical cuckoo clock is operated by a person who pulls down on a pine cone. The pine cones hang down from chains attached to gears turn to make the clock "movement" work. Mechanical cuckoo clocks are definitely greener than clocks that operate on electricity.

Mechanical cuckoo clocks were invented in 1730. People understood that lightening was powerful, but nobody had figured out how to harness it. The mechanical winding of a clock was the only way to make it work. Ben Franklin conducted his research on electricity with his kite experiment in 1752. In 1879, Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb, and small power stations soon began to provide electric power to homes and other buildings in cities.

These days, electricity is provided to 76 percent of the world's urban population and 33 percent of the world's rural population. Electricity definitely improves the standard of living for people, but it is also a major factor in global warming. About 40 percent of the world's electrical power is from coal-burning power plants. In America, 49 percent of the electricity comes from coal and in China, it's about 69 percent. The burning of coal generates massive quantities of greenhouse gases that pollute the air and contribute to global warming.

As we come face to face with the dismal impacts in store for the planet from global warming, we are beginning to understand that we have to change our habits of using energy, including electricity. While nations around the world are finally beginning to work together on this issue, there are many things we can do as individuals. A list of tips for energy conservation always advises that we should turn off electric lights and equipment whenever possible. We do not, however, turn off our electric clocks.

Since mechanical cuckoo clocks use no electricity, they are a great alternative to electric clocks. It might be a good idea for the energy conservation checklists to recommend mechanical cuckoo clocks, as well as turning off light bulbs. After all, people who care about the environment are trying even the smallest things to conserve energy.

When we conserve energy, we reduce our "carbon footprint." This is a new term that measures the greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by households, companies, and products. The concept helps us hold ourselves accountable for what is happening to the planet. All the little steps that an individual takes to reduce his/her carbon footprint add up and help our environment.

One little step is to get a mechanical cuckoo clock to replace an electric clock. If you really want to make a "green" statement, you might want to get a mechanical cuckoo clock with a water wheel. In the Middle Ages, the water wheel was invented to generate power for uses such as grinding wheat. Water wheels are green technology that doesn't contribute to pollution or global warming. A waterwheel is the perfect addition to your mechanical cuckoo clock if you are someone who is concerned about the environment.


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