Halloween was extra spooky this year on William Patterson University’s campus in New Jersey, thanks to CFACT Collegian Ariana Alonso’s efforts to demonstrate how dangerous relying on “green” energy really is.
Setting up shop on one of the main veins of her campus’s sidewalks, Ariana covered her table with candy, informative signs, and literature. The catch? One side of the table labeled “green energy” offered students a single lollipop, while the other labeled “nuclear and fossil fuels” sporting hefty bags of candy. Students craving a sweet treat were told to choose one side or the other.
Cleverly, Ariana used the discrepancy between the amount of candy on each side of the table to illustrate the large difference in energy production output between so called green energy sources like wind and solar, and more reliable energy sources like fossil fuels and nuclear power. Unsurprisingly, almost no one wanted candy from the green energy side of the table and traditional energy bags were in high demand.
While handing out the candy, Ariana informed her fellow classmates of the environmentally harmful impacts of green energy. “I was sharing facts about how solar panels kill wildlife. People had no idea.” Ariana also pointed out that the choice between energy sources and their consequences are the same in real life. Green energy produces far less energy than nuclear or natural gas, which means higher energy prices for consumers and a less reliable grid.
Thanks to Ariana’s hard work and ingenious idea, scores of students attending William Patterson University now have firm understanding of the true cost of supporting green energy. Reflecting on her experience, she had this to say, “I loved being able to talk to students and share all the different ways traditional energy is superior and how supposed green energy is harmful to wildlife and the environment. It was a very fun event!”
