Nightclub powered by dancing feet opens in London

Davey Winder
Thursday, 10 July 2008 17:28

Science - Climate

Dr Earth has responded with a statement that "Club4Climate endorse and applaud the innovative technologies of Michel Smit and his Sustainable Dance Club. However, we consider that there are vital flaws in this approach not least the fact that we are not satisfied that his concept can be married with economic viability."

Indeed, Dr Earth has some pretty strict guidelines as to what exactly can be considered an eco-nightclub and join the Club4Climate network. The requirements include:

• Installation of an Earth Chamber based on our specifications for the free use of all patrons to enhance their physical and mental health and connection to the planet.
• Exclusive use of only poly-carbon cups, the most environmentally friendly available drinking apparatus.
• All customers attending the club who can demonstrate that they travelled there by foot, cycle or public transport receive free entry.
• All patrons when entering the club should sign a pledge to work towards curbing climate change.
• Give out freely recycled Club4Climate shopping bags which patrons can use consistently without ever having to use plastic bags.

Club4Climate concludes that "Clubbing is the most energy consumptive activity on the planet and engages in some shape virtually all the youth of the planet. In our estimation there is no greater platform on the planet than clubbing with its associated strands such as club music. Globalisation is manifested through and being led by the club culture."

But can we take Dr Earth seriously? Certainly the concept itself is a great one, and the use of a piezoelectric dancefloor has to be applauded. However, it would be much easier not to get distracted if Dr Earth did not bear such a remarkable resemblance to Dr Evil, and refrained from publishing such advice as "Disconnect to Connect. Unplug your television and plug yourself in to the ground."