Ben Carpenter
Grade 12
Fairport High School
Fairport, NY
March 2009 Student of the Month

The GoGreen committee agrees, Ben is a great example of a young man who is living a sustainable lifestyle. He was nominated for this honor by his school counselor, Jaqueline Cougevan, who credited Ben's involvement with the North American Hunting Club for nurturing his appreciation and respect for the great outdoors. An avid sportsman and hunter, Ben has spent much time in the natural wilderness of the Adirondacks where he has developed an affinity for the natural beauty of his home state. Planning to study environmental science/biology, Ben sees his future work revolving around the ideals of sustaining our natural resources for future generations to enjoy in the same way. Here, in his own words, is Ben Carpenter's GoGreen philosophy:  


I believe "going green" is making large and small sacrifices in ones daily routine to create an eco-friendly lifestyle; a lifestyle through which we can potentially increase not only our own quality of life, but increase the sustainability of the Earth’s natural resources.

Though the big problem that needs fixing is how we attain our energy, I push the philosophy that we all have a responsibility in how we use it; and there are countless little things we can all do to use energy efficiently. For example by switching out a 60 watt incandescent light bulb with a 14 watt fluorescent bulb I use roughly 75% less energy with the same light output. Along with switching out the light bulbs, I’ve pushed for more efficient recycling methods in our house, and have moved most of our appliances such as CD players and lamps and fans to surge protectors, so saving energy is as easy as a flick of a switch when those items are not in use.  Simple acts such as these are the least we can do.

In the long term I hope to use my knowledge of the automotive field with what I’m learning about the up and coming field of alternative energy; to help push forward the “green” automotive market. The goal is not to create a solely electric, fuel cell, or simply fuel efficient vehicle, but to somehow combine all of these technologies. Until then I will keep looking for new ways I can help the earth as an individual, and push those around me to do the same.

 

Ben Carpenter