The Whiting goes green

FLINT - The Whiting is going green! From the implementation of Light Emitting Diodes to the recycling of plastic products, The Whiting is taking steps toward making its facility a safer and more environmentally friendly gathering place.

Currently it costs The Whiting $9,454.18 per year to illuminate the work and task lights at the theater and uses approximately 812.04 kilowatt hours per day. The theater is in the first phase of converting much of its lighting to compact fluorescents and LEDs, having replaced the lighting in two hallways from incandescents to more energy efficient lights. One balcony hallway has been converted to compact fluorescent lights, which are recyclable and far less hazardous to the environment than incandescents. Another hallway has been completely switched over to LEDs.

The ultimate goal, theater executives say, is to replace every light bulb in the building, which number over 2,400 (with the exception of stage lighting, for which there currently is no replacement option), with a more energy efficient means of lighting. By implementing LEDs, it would reduce the cost to illuminate the work and task lights by $6,997.03 annually and reduce its daily power usage by 600.99 kilowatt hours.

In addition to energy conservation, the reduction in waste products is a simple yet important part of the greening process. Plastic bottle recycling bins have been placed throughout the facility as a means for a clean disposal of the soda and water bottles that are sold at concessions. The theater has also made the move to more environment-friendly concession products, including biodegradable cups, napkins, plates, silverware and coffee stirrers.

In addition, the housekeeping staff is utilizing eco-friendly "Sustainable Earth" cleaning supplies and products that are naturally derived and not full of harmful chemicals. This change will help promote a healthy environment and better suit the efforts to keep the institution, as well as the Earth, clean.

The Whiting also currently has recycling bins for paper and cardboard, which its staff uses to recycle all paper and cardboard products used in the offices, as well as recyclable material from the performances.

Currently The Whiting is partnering with a group of senior electrical engineering students from Kettering University who are conducting an energy audit to help it become more aware of possible wasted energy. From this audit, the theater's carbon footprint will be determined, which will establish ways that will allow it to better utilize its energy resources.

To learn more about The Whiting's greening initiatives, please contact Linda Moxam, director of development for The Flint Cultural Center Corporation at 810-237-7382.