Was There Really A Contest To See Who Could Save The Most Daylight?
Yes. The Eldorado Daily Journal, in Eldorado, Illinois, asked all of its readers to save as much daylight as they could during Daylight Savings Time in 1984 and offered a prize for the person who saved the most.
The rules were simple:
“Beginning with the first day of DST (Daylight Savings Time), those entering the contest must begin saving daylight. Those who save the most daylight by midnight of the last day of daylight savings time, will be awarded a prize.
Only pure daylight is allowed. No pre-dawn light or twilight will be accepted. Daylight on cloudy days is allowable. Moonlight is strictly prohibited and any mixture with daylight will bring immediate disqualification.
Contestants may store their saved daylight in any container they wish and must bring the container to the Daily Journal office at the end of daylight savings time, or when they think they’ve saved enough daylight to win.”
In the announcement that prompted the above-quoted UPI report, the Eldorado Daily Journal’s managing editor, Bob Ellis, promised that, “All entries will be donated to less fortunate nations that do not observe Daylight Savings Time. It’s about time that people recognize how valuable Daylight Savings Time is to us.”
Ellis was stunned by the response. The first call came from CBS in San Francisco, wanting an interview on a live national radio broadcast. An hour later, it was NBC in New York, also a live national radio program. After that, Ellis heard from all parts of the nation. His story appeared in a Chicago newspaper and even on a Dallas television station.
Moral: Even the most clear-cut, lighthearted jest can and will be believed by someone.
So, the answer to whether it was true or false that there was a contest to see who could save the most sunlight, is that it’s TRUE.
Daylight Savings Time Around the World
Introduction
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is the practice of moving the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months and changing them back again in the fall. The purpose of DST is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. While many countries observe DST, the start and end dates, as well as the practice itself, can vary significantly around the world.
History of Daylight Savings Time
The idea of daylight savings was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, but it was not until the early 20th century that it was implemented. Germany and Austria-Hungary were the first to adopt DST on April 30, 1916, during World War I to conserve energy. Many other countries followed suit, though some have since abandoned the practice.
Regions That Observe Daylight Savings Time
North America
In the United States and Canada, DST starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. Not all regions participate, with notable exceptions including most of Arizona and Hawaii in the U.S., and certain provinces in Canada like Saskatchewan.
Europe
European countries, including the United Kingdom and those in the European Union, start DST on the last Sunday in March and end it on the last Sunday in October. This uniformity helps to facilitate trade and travel across the continent.
Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, DST is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, starting on the first Sunday in October and ending on the first Sunday in April. New Zealand follows a similar schedule.
South America
Countries like Brazil and Chile have historically observed DST, but in recent years, some have chosen to abolish it. For instance, Brazil stopped observing DST in 2019.
Regions That Do Not Observe Daylight Savings Time
Many countries near the equator do not observe DST because the variation in daylight throughout the year is minimal. Additionally, countries like Japan, India, and China do not use DST. Africa and most of Asia have largely avoided the practice as well.
Pros and Cons of Daylight Savings Time
Pros
- Extended evening daylight encourages outdoor activities and can reduce energy consumption.
- Some studies suggest a reduction in traffic accidents during DST periods due to increased visibility in the evening.
Cons
- Disruptions to sleep patterns can lead to health issues, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Changing the clocks twice a year can cause confusion and logistical challenges.
The Future of Daylight Savings Time
The future of DST remains uncertain. Some regions are considering abolishing it due to the health risks and the questionable impact on energy savings. For example, the European Union has been discussing the possibility of ending the practice, leaving it up to individual member states to decide.
Conclusion
Daylight Savings Time continues to be a topic of debate around the world. While it offers certain benefits, the drawbacks have led many to question its relevance in modern society. Whether DST will persist or fade away remains to be seen, but its impact on daily life is undeniable.
