"The stone age came to an end not for lack of stone, so will end the age of oil." -Iraqi Oil Sheek
Energy is a hot topic these days. The world is feeling the strain that growing economies are placing on energy demand. In light of findings of a climate change, humanity is required to rethink our consumption of fossil fuels. Although the world energy economy may seem dire, many economists consider replacement of fossil fuels with cleaner technologies a feasible and even profitable solution.
Many specialists in this field believe that there is not one single solution to this problem, and that we need a diverse portfolio of energy resources. Below and to the right is a list of energy sources that can all be portions of a larger solution: getting the world off fossil fuels.
Energy Conservation
Enormous quantities of fuels and electricity are being wasted everyday by using inefficient processes. As a society we need to learn and promote to our children the old adage, "waste not, want not." If we use less, we will require less, and this does not always mean we will be required to undertake life changes. There are several outdated technologies out there that are not effective. Although energy conservation is often inexpensive, it usually requires a change in the way we view energy.
Here is a list of techniques that can be used to conserve household energy.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat if not already present. Lower the thermostat by one degree
in the winter and raise it one degree in the summer. Often, you will find that the difference does not
impact your comfort levels.
- Air dry dishes. Dishwashers use considerable amounts of energy to dry dishes. Pull them out and set them
in a dishholder. You will find that they dry fairly quickly.
- Ensure that your hot water heater is set to 120 degrees or lower.
- Turn off lights when exiting a room.
- Install and use an outdoor clothes line to dry your clothes instead of an electric dryer.
- Teach your children to conserve energy. Often if not educated in the proper conservation techniques
and of the importance of conservation, children can become large inefficient consumers of energy.
Instruct your children how to save energy, money, and reduce pollution by being little energy savers.
- Have an experienced company conduct an energy audit.
- When choosing a new or replacement appliance, always choose the most energy efficient. For more
on energy efficient appliances, visit the Department of Energy's Energy Star website.
- Review the home's insullation, preferably with a energy audit professional. Insullate all hot water lines and heating ducts.
- When building a new home, consider using a "green" designer. Green designers use efficient floor plans
and technologies into the construction of the house to reduce lighting, heating, and cooling requirements.
Energy Star also certifies buildings and houses. Check out their website linked above.
- Always shut down the computer when not using it within the next two hours. Shutting the computer off will
not harm it. Also, consider purchasing a "smart" power strip. These power strips automatically shut down auxilliary
appliances (such as printers, faxes, monitors, modems, speakers, etc.) when the computer is not in use.
- Use a power strip for your home entertainment center and shut off the switch when not in use. Sometimes
the VCR/DVD player, DVRs, and Stereos can all draw power even when not in use!
- Conserve water. Especially hot water in the case for grid tied systems. In the case of private water systems
you will reduce the energy required for pump systems and or purification processes. Click here
to review some tips on water conservation.
- Consider investing in renewable sources of energy. An increasingly common example is a solar hot water heater.
Click here to download the ultimate guide on reducing your use of foreign oil now!
Here are some helpful websites for learning more about energy conservation.
- The Rocky Mountain Institute offers great publications on conservation
in their online library. RMI maintains a staff of the most diverse and innovative thinkers of
any American non-profit organization in the field of energy conservation. To access the publications you simply
must register on their website.
- Energy Star is a government program created by the
US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency. It currently certifies products with the energy
label using certain criteria for each category.
- Department of Energy maintains a great webpage with other great helpful tips not covered here such as windows and home insulation.