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Well Ben Franklin joked about it saving candles when sunshine is free, and the Germans thought it would save energy, but it's never really worked that way. On the other hand, here's one guy's take on its value:
"The argument for keeping DST as a permanent U.S. lifestyle fixture is that it greatly benefits health, outdoor activity, tourism, the culinary industry, and especially our vast golf, tennis, and parks and recreation investments," he says. "Extended daylight hours allow outdoor restaurants, golf courses, parks, and patio or rooftop bars to see sunsets well past happy hour and into dinner time, as opposed to forcing everyone into dismal darkness just before standard 5 p.m. business hours come to a close."
But it's not just tourism and the ability to enjoy time outside that Hanson is concerned about. "Early darkness also leads to depression, less outdoor activity, and health problems—especially in winter months."