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 surveyed in 2016 consider climate change a threat now or in the future. In 2017, 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 weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to close, and all day on weekends, you’ll now find a station in our Tropical Forest Conservatory 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 3,500 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 28,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to annually saving:
- 58,809 barrels of oil from being burned, or
- 336 tanker trucks worth of gasoline from being burned, or
- 62,257,774 miles from being driven in an average passenger car.
As you can see below, 58,809 barrels arranged in a circle would take up most of the Phipps campus!
⬤ 1 Barrel
⬤ 100 Barrels
⬤ 1,000 Barrels
⬤ 5,000 Barrels
⬤ 58,809 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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Tropical Forest Cuba
Now Open
Experience the natural beauty and culture of Cuba, one of the most biodiverse Caribbean island nations on Earth, in our immersive new Tropical Forest exhibit. -
Nature Lab and Observational Beehive Open Hours
Saturdays; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Except as Noted
The revolutionary Nature Lab at Phipps and Observational Beehive are now open for you to discover. Drop in during our Saturday open hours and a graduate of our Learning for a Greener Future high school internship will show you around. No advance reservation is required. -
Environmental Film Series: Inventing Tomorrow
Fri., Jan. 18; 7 – 9 p.m.; Botany Hall Auditorium
This exciting monthly event features a film screening followed by a dynamic discussion with film producers, scientists and environmental advocates.
