Suvir Mirchandani tells US government how to save £240m - just by changing their font
Saturday, 29 March 2014
A 14-year-old student claims to have found a way of saving the US government $400 million dollars (£240 million) - simply by changing the font they use for official documents.
Suvir Mirchandani calculated that if the government chose Garamond font instead of Times New Roman, it would use 25 per cent less ink because each character is lighter and thinner.
His idea began when he worked out how much his school in Pennsylvania could save in ink after watching multiple leaflets be handed out.
"Ink is two times more expensive than French perfume by volume," Suvir told CNN.
He then extended the study to a national level and concluded that if the federal government used just Garamond it could save $136 million (£81 million) per year.
An additional $234 million (£140 million) could be saved annually if state governments also jumped on board, he reported.
He has since looked to publish his findings in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. Sarah Fankhauser, one of JEI's founders said: "We were so impressed. We really could really see the real-world application in Suvir's paper."
Gary Somerset, media and public relations manager at the Government Printing Office, described his work as "remarkable", but would not discuss whether the GPO was prepared to actually to actually implement Suvir's idea.
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So this will be the theme of our next series of article, by the the 2nd years)
Tell us about a great idea or invention and tell us why it appeals to you.
His idea began when he worked out how much his school in Pennsylvania could save in ink after watching multiple leaflets be handed out.
"Ink is two times more expensive than French perfume by volume," Suvir told CNN.
He then extended the study to a national level and concluded that if the federal government used just Garamond it could save $136 million (£81 million) per year.
An additional $234 million (£140 million) could be saved annually if state governments also jumped on board, he reported.
He has since looked to publish his findings in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. Sarah Fankhauser, one of JEI's founders said: "We were so impressed. We really could really see the real-world application in Suvir's paper."
Gary Somerset, media and public relations manager at the Government Printing Office, described his work as "remarkable", but would not discuss whether the GPO was prepared to actually to actually implement Suvir's idea.
-----------------------------------------------------------
So this will be the theme of our next series of article, by the the 2nd years)
Tell us about a great idea or invention and tell us why it appeals to you.
The boy is so intelligent, but it seems not there has 14-year-old, when I look this photo I think he has 25-year-old, my little brother has 14-year-old too and he have a baby face.. I am shocked...
ReplyDeleteIt's K-Za, sorry ^^
DeleteI agree, he looks like more old :P
DeleteForest.
It is a good idea!
ReplyDeleteOton-tik
Am not a 14 years old boy but I really would like to find 4 000 000$
ReplyDeleteDaffyDuck
And please, does someone know what is GPO
ReplyDeleteDaffyDuck
Maybe the " Government Printing Office " ?
DeleteInk's price is too damn high
ReplyDeleteBoldman
What an interesting subject you gave to us Mrs P.!
ReplyDeleteIs it ironical? Never mind, anyway!^^
DeleteAlways interesting with Mrs.P !! :D :D
DeleteRider.
i think that rider want to have agood mark .he wouldn't say that without objective .
Deletesomethingintheway
No , I'm just saying the truth !!! :p
DeleteRider
I think it can be interesting but it's not my favourite subject of article ^^
DeleteForest.
No, it's not ironical! :)
DeleteWhaou ! He is so clever !
ReplyDeletePonPonPon
It is a good idea
ReplyDeleteLala
if it can change something like save £240m, of couse that it's a great idea !
ReplyDeleteKiwi~
I agree, it's a beautiful idea :D
DeleteForest.
i shall talk about pizza i think.
ReplyDeletesomethingintheway
A very good invention !!! :D
DeleteRider.
Oh yes, I'll start thinking about this subject !
ReplyDeleteEniram
Me too during holidays I think ;)
DeleteForest.
Yes I think too :)
DeleteEniram
Good idea :)
ReplyDeleteBy Oceka
We can save a lot of poor people with 240m £ :O
DeleteForest.
I have no idea what I'm talking ..
ReplyDeleteGood article :)
ReplyDeleteBy Oceka
It's incredible how a simple change can really change!! although you have to think about it!
ReplyDeleteI found my invention ... I say : fits of laughter!
ReplyDelete-YMCMB
My question is was he paid for this? Was he rewarded for his great suggestion?
ReplyDeleteStill don't know what I'm going to choose...
ReplyDeleteSweetLisa
I'm wondering how and when he got the idea ...
ReplyDeleteBluetiara