Last month I wrote the first of this series of “First Friday Posts” in which I am writing a letter or email asking questions, protesting issues and so on.
The first letter I wrote, on Tibet, is here, and you can read my MP’s response here. It’s not that much, but it’s a start. And I liked that he didn’t waffle or make promises he wasn’t going to keep.
Today, I’ve written to Transport for London (as is probably obvious, this is the organisation responsible for running all our public transportation in the capital!) as follows:
Recently, I’ve noticed the huge increase in digital advertising media on the Underground network, such as digital escalator panels and large scale HD screens.
At a time of universal concern over environmental issues, I’d be interested to know how much additional electricity these devices use. Are they energy-efficient? Even if they are, by definition they must use infinitely more resources to manufacture, install and run than the low-tech poster-style advertising they are replacing.
I would appreciate a response explaining how Transport for London can justify this new approach to advertising from an environmental perspective.
I can just picture the guys receiving this missive. They are probably scratching their heads and exclaiming about “batty women” with peculiar priorities. For their sake I decided not to go into my hatred of the fact that you can’t go anywhere in any town or city here without being assaulted by advertising of all kinds. But I do hate it!
I’ll let you know the response.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
you go girl!!!
Well Tess, I’m clicking through the veil of a very good martini overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Sunset so who knows what I am going to say……however, having been to beautiful England before, I think it might be better to have those electronic things rather than that glue covered paper that is plastered, removed, replastered, etc. again and again. It feels cleaner to me but I hope it’s not more wasteful. Yes, I am sure that the person who receives your notice will consider you a batty woman but oh my goodness, where would this world be without us??? I envy your collaboration with Lucy in Paris!!!
Well SS, next time you must come and be a co-collaborator.
A very nice invitation:)