Lights Out at F&M for 40th annual Earth Day

The College took one small step toward energy conservation

this past Thursday with the first ever F&M Blackout for Earth Day.  

“A blackout is when those lights you would consider to be non-essential are turned off,” said Maria Cimilluca, director of Facilities & Operations (F&O), “Occupied rooms that have no natural light would still be lit. Occupied areas should be reviewed to see what lights need to stay on. But workplaces and residences typically find that at least some lighting can be turned down off or down.”

The idea originated with Sam McLoughlin, ’10, who was inspired by environmental action initiatives and similar operations he had encountered on the West Coast.

“When I was in California last year, they had blackouts every day for a few hours,” he explained. “The West Coast is generally more aware of energy shortages and similar environmental concerns than we are over here.”

He took matters into his own hands and spoke realistically to the administration about conserving energy on campus.

“They were very excited about the idea,” he added. “I don’t think students understand how much the administration really likes to work with us.” 

The Sustainability Committee, F&O, the Wohlsen Center, and the Environmental Action Alliance were all behind the cause and helped out. F&O controlled the bigger light boards all day until there was no light outside to see by. Students were also voluntarily involved. 

“I hope that this sets an example for students to show them that something so little can make a huge difference in energy consumption but also in greater ways,” McLoughlin said. “This is another opportunity to spark discussions about the way we use our Earth.” 

Involvement was the big word of the campaign.

“This may seem like a minute change on an individual level but on a large scale, the energy saved in one day makes an impact globally,” Cimilluca offered. “It is our duty as citizens of this earth to take care of the environment and our home, so let this, and conserving energy and gaining independence from fossil fuels, be a message as we come together for Earth Day.”

“I give so much credit to Maria Cimilluca,” McLoughlin said. “She’s really into being green, and even made sure all the new dorms were up to LEED standards, which is an environmental code that buildings should abide by. That, paired with Earth Day activities and even everyday life, should inspire so much discussion and involvement in helping our Earth.”

First-year Lauren Bejak is a layout assistant. Her e-mail is  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .