Mr. Scheck:
Another large industry that converted to fully metric just this year is
the household lighting industry. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), as of
January 1, 2012, which have significantly replaced incandescent bulbs, are
now described in lumens rather than in watts, to measure their
luminescence. Consumer information on CFL packaging has been changed
accordingly.
It should be pointed out that the watt is a metric unit too (not of
luminescence, but of power), but I suspect that most people don't realize
that when their electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours, they are using
metric units, and have been for as long as anyone can remember.
This would be an interesting point to make in a follow-up article: how
many people realize how metricated they are already?
Another point to make in any follow-up article is the cost that American
businesses not already having switched to metric have to pay to maintain
dual inventories. This is one of the most significant reasons why the
American automotive industry has gone metric "under the hood."
The electric cars that are now being manufactured started even advertising
in metric from the beginning. I recall that the first press
release on Chevrolet's Volt was issued entirely in metric. This is true
also of other high-tech industries, such as solar energy.
I'm sure that other members of the metric community can provide you with
many other examples.
============
On Mon, 26 Nov 2012, Scheck, Justin wrote:
Eugene:
I'm sorry you felt so badly about the story. I don't understand why you
feel the story had a negative tone. Nearly all of the feedback I've
received has been positive, including some comments from people who said
the story has made them want to start using the metric system in their
own lives.
I will keep monitoring any progress on U.S. industries, government, etc.
going metric. Feel free to keep me posted.
Thanks-
Justin
