Chilean men told to take off their ties to save energy

As summer hits the South American country of Chile, the government is calling on men to take off their ties to battle global warming and save energy by using less air conditioning.

Global Post reports the government believes $10 million will be saved over the summer months if buildings use less air conditioning. According to Chilean authorities, if building temperatures are allowed to rise between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius, energy costs could drop by more than 3 percent. "Let's all take our ties off this summer to save energy," Economy Minister Pablo Longueira says in television spot airing around the country, according to Reuters. In the TV spot, the minister is seen briming with a sense of conviction as he undoes the knot of his tie and unbuttons the top of his shirt. The minister and other senior government officials are also seen removing their ties with smiles on their faces in the commercial. Reaction While the government's campaign appears to be widely welcomed, some men still believe formal dress should not be sacrificed in a bid to save energy. "There are things that really go along with being formal and well-structured," Reuters quotes Santiago resident, Gonzalo Castro, as saying. "The president can't go around without a tie, nor should a government minister, an engineer, a doctor or a journalist."