Why is the conservation of energy such an important issue? It is because of the limited supply of energy from traditional sources and its negative impact on health and the environment through carbon emissions. And the issue is particularly important as the world has an enormous and insatiable need for energy, not only subsisten but also to thrive. Advances in technology over recent years have meant that alternative energy-solar energy, wind energy and geo-thermal energy is not only more readily available but is also more economical.
Whether you are sourcing the energy you are using traditionally or from renewable energy sources, make sure to use it wisely and efficiently. Be a conscious energy user at home, workplace and everywhere-in fact, always. There are hundredsof practical ways to reduce energy consumption. Below is a quick list of simple and easy-to-do saving tips. Essentially, these suggestions mostly involve returning to the basics of life.
Incorporating simple green habits into your daily routine will not only promote your health but will help the environment as well. For example, do some exercise by walking, use public transport or car pool with others to save on gas and to avoid the harmful effect of gas emissions both directly and indirectly.
Now is also the best time to utilize your green thumbs. Don't just think about it, do it! Get started now. Grow your own vegetable garden. If you cannot do it by yourself, ask for help, or at least choose and buy fresh and locally grown vegetables when you go shopping. Fresh food isalways better than processed, health wise and energy-wise.
Water is an important resource. Be sure to conserve water, too. Do not leave your garden sprinkler on for an extended period of time. Utilize rain water for your vegetable garden. Use a bucket instead of a hose when washing your car. And don't forget to turn off the tap fully, even when brushing your teeth.
Make use of solar and/or wind power. Adopt a passive solar house design. Avail of the benefits of natural drying. Install a clothesline in your home or on your roof top. Heat your water with a do-it-yourself solar thermal hot water system. Other solar powered devices that can be useful includes solar laptop battery chargers, and, of course, solar power batteriesthemselves. Solar portable power is now a reality, so let's use it.
Look around your house and start implementing energy-saving measures right away. Replace lights with more energy-efficient systems. Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs which need only 25% of the electricity. "Turn off the light when leaving a room, even for a few minutes.
Having appliances gives convenience to our lives-at home, at work and also during our leisure hours. However, their energy usage must be regulated and controlled. Always turn off your appliances at the wall when not in use. Buy new appliances with efficient energy ratings. Turn the temperature setting down a few degrees, especially during summer. And in winter put on another layer of clothing rather than turn up the thermostat-you'llkeep warm but also feel more energetic.
Leaks are wasteful. Insulate your house well. Seal your doors, walls, windows, water tanks and pipes. Add insulation foam to your home's roof cavities.
Minimize waste by recycling wherever and whenever possible. Recycle everything from waste paper, packaging, furniture, computers, surplus to food scraps. Food waste makes good garden compost.
Wherever practicable utilize rechargeable batteries for appliances thereby reducing waste and saving money. Did you know that nowadays you can even buy a solar charging travel bag which gives power for your cell phone or mobile phone, iPod, MP3 player, gps device or laptop? Solar charging bags are also available as back-packs.
Simple Energy Conservation Techniques You Need to Know
