NYC Urges Business to Shut the Front Door

It is illegal in New York City for chain stores and businesses that occupy 4,000 square feet or more to keep their doors open while air conditioners are running. The Department of Consumer Affairs, however, launched an initiative today that urges all businesses to shut their front doors.

It draws shoppers in, a blast of cool air from a retail store on a balmy summer's day. This, however, is exactly what the city is trying to get businesses to stop doing. Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin said the reason is because the environmental side effects of this common practice are disastrous.

"If just one store leaves its doors open it really means the release of 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide into the air and 5 barrels of oil. And image what a thousand store and ten thousands stores would do," said Menin.

Menin said the initiative goes hand in hand with the mayor’s initiative to lower carbon emissions in the city 80% by 2050. She joined more than 200 volunteers on a tour of the five boroughs to encourage businesses to "shut the front door" and "to be cool save fuel."