The Famous Santa Monica Ferris Wheel Gets A Green(er) Upgrade
Filed under: green and famous — Michael d'Estries @ 3:25 pm
May 30th 2008

It’s not often that we deviate from the standard mix of actors and actresses doing something good for the world. Sometimes, we talk about famous animals — but this is the first time I believe we’re recognizing a famous landmark.
The Santa Monica pier is home to probably one of the more recognizable icons of film and TV — the Pacific Ferris Wheel. It has appeared in 105 photo shoots, 71 television commercials, 69 television shows, 28 films — including the current hit Iron Man — and 13 music videos. Over the past 12 years, over three million people have enjoyed the attraction. Famous, indeed.
A new wheel was officially introduced last night — with the old one earlier auctioned off for $132,400; with half the proceeds going to the Special Olympics of Southern California. The original setup was ahead of its time with 100% of its electricity coming from solar panels. The new wheel takes efficiency even further with the addition of LED bulbs. From the article,
“Solar Panels that power the ferris wheel is old news, but the recent upgrade to LED bulbs that light up the ferris wheel is now saving the pacific park even more money by reducing their power consumption. Becoming more energy efficient now allows the ferris wheel to maximize on its solar power system more effectively.”
Not to mention that LED lights have a lifetime over 10 years — which will save the pier considerably money and reduce waste. Not a bad upgrade for an icon of the Hollywood cinema scene.
via GoGreenSolar


