Natural & Renewable Energy Sources

The use of natural energy sources to provide heating and electricity is rapidly increasing in popularity among homeowners.

 

The use of more natural and renewable energy sources is needed to take the burden off our current dependency on fossil fuels. The high levels of fossil fuels we burn each and every day are contributing to climate change and the polluting of the air and surrounding environments.

 

We can attempt to save the earth from devastation if we act now, and by making the switch to natural and renewable energy sources, you will be doing your part. Although many other issues need to be addressed, making the switch is a large step forward in the fight against climate change, and the fight for a cleaner environment.

Some Advantages & Disadvantages Of Natural Energy Sources

Below are just a handful of the many advantages relating to the use of natural and renewable energy sources:

• The sun, wind, tides, and geothermal activity are all renewable and free to use.
• After the initial cost of; solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal energy equipment, the only cost to the consumer relates to any required maintenance.
• No more price rises from gas, energy or electricity companies. You could be totally energy efficient, eliminating your dependency on the world’s fossil fuel supplies.
• Use as much or as little of the renewable electricity of which you generate, without feeling guilty for any wastage.
• Oil, gas and coal supplies will most likely someday run out, if we have the infrastructure in place to generate energy from natural sources, this won’t be as much of a problem.
• Government grants are available for some natural energy projects depending on your location.

Below, you can see a selection of the disadvantages relating to the use of clean energy sources as opposed to fossil fuels:

• The initial cost of renewable energy technologies may be expensive.
• It is unlikely you will be able to totally replace your current energy or power supply to the use of renewable energy, but you could get close with a realistic budget and the implementation of different energy technologies, such as a wind turbine and solar panel combination.

Reducing The Effects OF Global Warming

 

There are many other steps you can take in reducing the effects of global warming which are unrelated to the use of natural energy sources. Many of these steps are easy, affordable and start at home.

 

Something as basic as recycling can have a significant impact on the environment around us, and also save energy on the manufacturing of new, replica products.

 

Carbon emissions are a direct result of not only heavy industry, but also the average household. Energy efficiency is a key aspect in reducing the effects of global warming, and steps can be taken around the home to achieve this.

I started saving paper!

To initate saving paper I started the following. I am also sharing this to all my friends and discuss with them. Please give me more ideas.

 

1. I stopped using the tissue paper after washing hands. I used to use lot of tissues everyday after handwash. I am now using my hand towel, which can be washed and reused. This way I am saving atleast 20-30 paper towels everyday.

 

2. Avoid paper cups: There are paper/plastic cups at the drinking water dispenser in our office. I am avoiding them by brining a water bottle from home, refill it everytime  and take it home end the end of the week for cleaning it. When I dont have water bottle with me, I just take one paper cup and reuse the same cup till the end of the day. I hope I can save atleast 10-15 paper cups everyday.

 

3. I drastically reduced taking printouts in the office. I am mostly using soft-copy of the information I need. If I really require print-out, I reformat the document reducing the font-size, decrease the margin and print back-to-back so that I consume less paper.

 

4. I stopped taking transaction receipt at ATM unless it is really required. If I have to see the balance, I will see it on the screen and note it in my mobile phone. This may not help greatly for paper saving, but I dont want to miss any opportunity.

5. I stopped taking paper bills and changed them to e-bills for Landline phone bill, mobile bill, Bank Statement, 2 credit cards bills. This will save atleast (3 sheets in a bill X 5 bills) = 15 papers + 5 envelops every month.

Many ways to save water!

Next to air, water is the very essential thing in our life. Saving water is our basic responsibility – for our children.

Few ways I could think of saving water:

• No leakages please: Water leakages are very common and we take them very easily without knowing that we loose almost equal amount of water that we use everyday. Check for leakages in your water pipes and stop them right away when you notice one. You can focus on the taps and toilet tanks that flows even when you dont flush.
• Low Flush is better than Full Flush: If installing your toilet newly, look for toilet tank that comes with Low-flush options. It saves water 3-5 times.
• Float Boosters: If you have a toilet tank with only “Full Flush” option, you can think about Float Boosters. Put some sand or pebbles in a plastic bottle and keep in the toilet tank. This way the water reserved in the tank will be less, eventually every flush will consume less water.
• Showers are costly: When you wish to go for a shower bath, consider the huge amount water that is being wasted. Avoid showers or atleast shorten your duration below the shower.
• How you brush your teeth?: Keeping the tap on – flowing the water – while you are still brushing your teeth is not necessary. You can turn on the tap, when you really required.
• You dont need running water to rinse the razor: You can think of using a container (or a jug) with water to rinse the blade which you shave. Still water can rinse the razor as good as running water.
• Washing Machines: Dont use washing machine with only few clothes. It consumes almost equal amount of electricity and water as the full load. There is a double-saving option here .
• Dish Washing: If you have option go for Stoppered Sink for your kitchen. It saves lot of water.