When a new state law prohibited the
manufacture and sale of incandescent lamps, most people expected the
city of Pasadena to switch to more energy efficient fluorescent
bulbs. Instead, city planners played to the letter of the law, which
was passed to make energy “more green.” Devoting their top
scientists and researchers to the project, the city created a form of
tree that grew its own incandescent bulbs and powered themselves
using the tree's own photosynthesis. State officials tried to shut
the project down, but the mayor quickly pointed out the city
manufactured nothing. It was the tree that created the bulbs, and
trees were not subject to laws. Further, the plants were not being
bought or sold, but simply planted where new street lights would go.
In the end, the state conceded the battle and was forced to admit
that in terms of using greener lighting, few things were more green
than a tree.
- Originally mailed to K. Valencia-Bravo of Olathe, Kansas
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