The downside of technology

[MadHound]

Today was one of the rare days I went through the drive through at the local fast food chain. One thing that I noticed was the automatic windows. When the cashier or other person gets close to the window, it automatically opens.

Apparently the sensor is quite sensitive, for as I was waiting for my food, the movement inside made the window open four or five times.

Energy burned,
Energy burned,
Energy burned,
Energy burned,

Why not just stick with the old standby, a well functioning window that opens by hand? No energy burned.

As the years have gone by, I've noticed a similar phenomenon elsewhere, from box stores with those curtain heaters that immerse you in warm air just as soon as you enter the front door, to yes, I'll go there, the proliferation of cell phones that burn up resource and energy at a prodigious rate.

The fact of the matter is that our technologies of convenience and comfort are nothing more than energy wasters.

Perhaps, in this time of rising energy prices, dwindling resources and search for energy savings, it is time to reconsider if we really need all these technological "marvels".