Vote for DCS!

So, why do you live in 417-land? We know you have an opinion about what makes life in this region oh-so-great, and now’s your chance to make your voice heard. For the first time ever, we’re asking you to cast your vote and help us determine, over the next seven months, what is the single best thing about life in our region. But first, we’re giving you a bracket with a list of 64 southwest Missouri perks. How’d we pick ‘em? We didn’t. You did. When 417 Magazine readers cast their votes in the 2009 Best of 417 ballot, they also answered the question “What’s the single best thing about life in 417-land?” We compiled the most popular answers, and you can find them all on our big bracket. Now it’s your turn to get involved again. Every month between now and when the winner is announced in the August 2009 issue, we’ll count your votes and narrow the list. All you have to do is keep on telling us who or what you think is the very greatest. Which one will be crowned the winner in August? Well, you get to decide. Starting now. Click on the image to vote!

Going Green under the Hood

Routine oil changes play an important role in keeping your car running in good shape, which helps it get the best fuel economy and minimizes air pollution and global warming emissions. But what about the impact of the oil changes themselves? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 200 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of in the United States each year. Used oil from just one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of water—a year’s supply for 50 people.

Fortunately, used motor oil (whether it be from cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or lawn equipment) can be recycled to make new motor oil, processed into fuel oils, or used as raw materials for the petroleum industry. In fact, one gallon of used motor oil can yield the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil.

If you are one of the millions of do-it-yourself oil changers, here are some important steps to take to ensure the process is as clean as possible:

• After draining the oil, but before removing the drip pan from under the car, close and secure the drain plug and check for leaks.
  
  
• If you are changing the oil filter, drain it for a minimum of 12 hours into a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (do not use a container that once held chemicals, food, or beverages). Then, carefully pour the oil from the drip pan into the container.
  
  
• Reuse your drip pan; do not rinse residual oil down the drain or into your yard.
  
  
• If you do accidentally spill any oil, use an absorbent material like sawdust or cat litter to clean up the spill and dispose of it properly.

Used motor oil (from cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or lawn equipment) can be recycled to make new motor oil—2.5 quarts of new lubricating oil can be made from one gallon of used motor oil—or processed into fuel oils or other materials. After you have changed your oil, take it to a local service station or recycling center that collects used motor oil for recycling (see related resources for a recycling directory). Some facilities will collect used filters as well; if not, ask your waste collection service if the filter can be disposed of with your household trash.

You may be able to further reduce your oil consumption (regardless of whether or not you do your own oil changes) by changing your oil less often. A 2008 study conducted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board shows that many vehicles can go more than the standard 3,000 miles between oil changes, depending on driving conditions and motor oil type. Before you skip your next oil change, however, be sure to follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations listed in the owner’s manual.

DCS Is Open on Martin Luther King Day!

Although DCS is normally closed on Mondays; we will be open from 9am-5pm on January 19th!
Thanks to American Family Insurance for sponsoring this event!

A Green Winter

It’s no secret that winterizing your home can slash your heating costs and reduce global warming pollution. But with today’s shaky economy, many homeowners might be wary of home improvements unless they can save money immediately—especially when home heating already accounts for nearly half of the average family's winter energy costs.

While there are many ways in which you can reduce your home’s energy use, these five projects can deliver the quickest payback on your purchase:

• Insulate your attic. It is relatively easy, yet very cost-effective, to add insulation to your attic. The Department of Energy (DOE) suggests a minimum attic insulation level of R-38 (R-value is a measure of resistance to heat flow), equivalent to 12 to 15 inches of insulation. The DOE provides a map on its website (see the Related Resources) that lists recommended insulation levels for U.S. climates.
  
  
• Seal air leaks. Weather stripping, door sweeps, window shrink wrap, and other materials can be purchased at your local hardware store for $50 or less, and can save you as much as 10 percent in energy costs. If you have an old fireplace, consider installing glass doors (which can cost a couple hundred dollars or more) to help prevent heat from escaping out the chimney when not in use.
  
  
• Seal heating ducts. Leaky ducts from forced-air or heat pump systems can allow up to 20 percent of the warm air to escape. While most ductwork is hidden in walls and floors, you can seal duct leaks on your own in attics, basements, or garages, and in areas where ducts meet floor or wall vents. The DOE estimates that sealing leaky ducts can save you up to $140 annually.
  
  
• Install a programmable thermostat. An Energy Star-qualified programmable thermostat can cost as little as $30 but save you $100 or more each year on heating costs by automatically turning the heat down when you are asleep or away (so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself).
  
  
• Upgrade your furnace. If your heating system is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star-rated model to cut your energy costs by up to 30 percent. Before you buy, make your home as efficient as possible first (following the tips above) so you can purchase the smallest system to fit your heating needs.
  
  

Homeowners can save even more money on energy efficiency improvements through tax breaks and other incentives offered by your utility or state government. And as part of the federal government’s recent economic bailout legislation, certain home improvements made in 2009 will be eligible for a tax credit (see the Related Resources).

Science Cafe a Success!

WOW!! Springfield’s first Science Cafe was an absolute success. More than 50 people showed up at Trolley’s Level 2 last night to learn about new product research and development happening right here in Springfield. Not only is St. John’s providing excellent patient care, it’s Research Institute is actually inventing new medical devices to improve patient care around the world. Amazing stuff; and we only missed 10 minutes of the football game.

See you at the next Science Cafe in April!
Kim Collison – Health & Life Sciences Coordinator

Thanks Carpet Barn!

Discovery Center would like to thank Carpet Barn for their generous donation! Carpet Barn recently provided the carpet for the news room "KDCS" at DCS. Be sure to look for the new carpet coming to Discovery Center Theater and the bank in Discovery Town which will also be provided by Carpet Barn!

Come to Science Cafe

Discovery Center of Springfield presents Science Café…Stimulating conversation. Informal Setting. Bringing lifelong learning to the public. Adults join Discovery Center and Jordan Valley Innovation Center’s active research team to discuss scientific issues and what they mean to you. Sit, Relax, listen and question. We provide the experts you bring an open mind. “From Benchtop to Bedside” will focus on St. John’s active research to create solutions to everyday patient problems. Cost is Free, Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Seating is limited. First come, first served.