Celebrate NJ! Science, Technology & Environment

Thomas Edison By Brandon Yip June 3, 2010

In the 1880’s the U.S was in an Economic boom.  Skyscrapers and Railroads were emerging to major urban areas along with other new innovations.  These new inventions spread amongst the states like wildfire, sparking creativity throughout all scientists to create the new best invention.  Many would try and fail, but only the selected few would succeed to become famous.  One of those noteworthy inventors was a man from New Jersey, named Thomas Edison. 

Born on February 11, 1847, his two favorite hobbies were reading and experimenting.  These hobbies led him to be a scientist and embark on his journey to create the next innovative novelty.  Thomas Edison moved to Newark, New Jersey to initiate a career as an inventor.  There he created one of the most noted inventions the Phonograph in 1877.  This invention was successful, allowing people to listen to music portably. The real greatest invention created by Edison though would come in 1879.  Two years later Edison invented the light bulb.  The light bulb provided light to people, instead of the traditional usage of fire.  It gave more light and lasted longer than the customary fire.  It provided light to streets instead of using the traditional gas lamps, which cost more money.  The Light Bulb also sparked new inventors to perfect the new innovation.  With the creation of this new invention, the usage of fire and coal that admitted pollution was decreased, making the world cleaner and more energy efficient.  The first actual electric lighting system began in Roselle, New Jersey, later on though spreading throughout the world.  Today we have Incandescent light bulbs and other types in all shapes and sizes to fit our daily needs.  All these light bulbs we dedicate to Thomas Edison the creator and mastermind of the first one. 

Though the light bulb is a great invention, it has caused some major problems.  The actual light bulb is not the problem but the Power Plant powering the light bulb.  These power plants are polluting the environment, corroding the ozone layer, and harming us humans.  Also the Power Plants are emitting gas which raising global temperatures.  This problem is one that is worldwide and should be stopped.  One way to stop it is by using wind, solar, and hydroelectricity as alternatives.  These three types of power along with others are clean and efficient.  If we stop this crisis we can lower pollution, help save the environment, and overall make the world a cleaner place.