Make the Switch at Phipps! Green Power Drive
Support clean energy, impact climate change and receive a free Phipps membership — all in a day’s visit.
Nearly nine out of 10 Phipps guests consider climate change a threat now or in the future, and it's up to every one of us to do our part to address this critical issue. Climate change is a topic that can feel so daunting that you might think you can’t have an impact. But making a difference right now is easier than you may imagine, and you can start with your next visit to Phipps.
On select dates and times, you’ll now find a station in our Tropical Forest Conservatory or Tropical Fruit and Spice Room where you can switch your home electricity generator to 100% green power right on the spot, and if you do, you’ll receive something special: if you’re not yet a Phipps member, you’ll be given a free one-year membership at our family/household level, and if you’re already a member, you’ll receive a six-month extension at your current level. This offer is only available on site at Phipps. Participating guests must be residents of Pennsylvania and New York who have paid admission for the day or are visiting as a current member. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
Switching is easy and takes just a few minutes, and representatives will be available to help you choose the right plan. Your bill still comes from your current provider, and rates are competitive and may even be cheaper. Plus, for each year your household uses green power, you remove as much carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as 8.4 acres of forest.
The Difference You're Making
In a new display at Phipps' entrance, 16 oil barrels provide a visual representation of the amount of CO2 you can prevent from being released into the atmosphere annually by switching to renewable energy:
Since January 2017, more than 5,500 Phipps guests have switched their household electricity to fossil-free renewable energy. Powering the average Pennsylvania home emits about 8 tons of CO2 annually; at the end of each year, these guests will have prevented 44,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to annually saving:
- 92,414 barrels of oil from being burned, or
- 528 tanker trucks worth of gasoline from being burned, or
- 99,047,461 miles from being driven in an average passenger car.
As you can see below, 92,414 barrels arranged in a circle would take up more than the entire Phipps campus!
⬤ 1 Barrel
⬤ 100 Barrels
⬤ 1,000 Barrels
⬤ 5,000 Barrels
⬤ 92,414 Barrels
Phipps is committed to promoting human and environmental well-being through action, research, and making the sustainable choice in everything we do — and we hope to inspire each and every one of our visitors to join with us in this effort. So the next time you visit the Conservatory, you’ll leave knowing that you’ve made an important change in your life to support clean, renewable energy — and increased your family’s access to Phipps’ amazing year-round exhibits and programs.
Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy
* 1 ton of carbon dioxide = 2.1 barrels of oil burned. Additional equivalents can be found on the EPA website.
More Events You’ll Enjoy
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Climate Educator Happy Hour
Select Wednesdays; 4 – 5 p.m.
Join Phipps, Communitopia and Green Building Alliance for a happy hour series for educators interested in meeting others who are also teaching about climate change. -
Online Classes for Adults
See description for dates and times
Now some of our most popular courses are available to attend from the comfort of your own home. Peruse our offerings for an exciting variety of fun and enriching programs on vegetable gardening, orchid care and more to let your inspiration grow. Enrolled students will receive a... -
Virtual Biophilia: Pittsburgh
Thurs., Nov. 4; 6 p.m. (EST) | 3 p.m. (PST)
Biophilia: Pittsburgh meets monthly to discuss how citizens can strengthen the bond between people and nature through education and action. Registration is required but events are free to attend. Join the conversation!
