Thursday, February 3, 2011

ENERGY CONSERVATION

 Nuzha Naashidh
[ECOCARE Maldives]



Energy is known as the ability to do work. It causes things to happen around us.  Energy is more than just a commodity. It is a privilege. There are two types of energy: Renewable energy and non renewable energy. Renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be exhausted. We can get renewable energy from sun (solar energy), from the wind (windmills), from the water (hydro power), from hot dry rocks, magma, hot water springs (geothermal) and even from firewood, animal manure, crop residues and waste (Biomass.). Non renewable energy is a source of energy which cannot be filled up in a short period of time. Most of the energy sources which we use today are non renewable energy, which includes natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy.

Why to conserve energy?

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed from one form to another. The only thing that can happen to energy in a closed system is that it can change its form from chemical energy to kinetic energy. Today, conservation of “energy” refers to the conservation of the total system of energy over time. Energy conservation is important because it is not just beneficial for one person but it will also contribute a lot for the whole world. In spite of its great importance, energy conservation is not an issue that we think about in our day to day lives. The choices we make about how we use energy will impact our environment, our lives and as well as the lives of the future generations.

The greatest importance of energy conservation is to reduce the excessive use of oil and natural resources. Almost everything we do uses energy - lighting, cooling, transportation, cooking, even entertainment.  We depend on energy to make our lives better in every way. One fearful fact is that some scientist says that after 60 years, our natural fuels will completely be exhausted. It means energy is not available in limitless supply. Every time energy is conserved, we are also helping a lot on reducing the use of our available natural resources and preventing further damage to the planet we live in. Therefore we need to maintain our quality of life by using the energy resources wisely.

Global warming is something that does not bother people so much because they are too busy with the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Climatic changes due to global warming are one of the biggest threats facing our planet today. Climate change is actually happening and it is happening now. Reduced use of energy source is essential in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Energy conservation policies aim to minimize the use of fossil fuels; by that prevent the rate of adverse climatic change resulting from it. Therefore energy conservation is not just about saving the money spent on electricity. Every single conservation act weigh in a lot to the preservation of the environment.

How you can help conserve energy?

•    Turn off lights when not in use.
•    Replace traditional light bulbs with fluorescent ones. They may cost more, but will save so much more in the long run.
•    Turn off power supply and unplug electronics not in use.
•    Regularly replace home air conditioning filters. This may change according to the type of filter you are using. It is important to know the instruction found on the packaging.
•    Close vents and doors of unused rooms.
•    Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly. Replace them with newer models, which have automatic defrost cycles and are more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
•    Try to buy things which can be refilled.
•    Reuse shopping bag.
•    Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb one ton of Co2 in its lifetime.
•    Move onto renewable energy.
•    Use of energy efficient cars and other vehicles.

Energy conservation is not a one person job. Even then a person continues in doing their part has the capacity to influence a big change. When we each do our small role, it can do big things for the environment. It will be a great contribution from us to our mother earth and to our future generations. This can be achieved by educating and motivating the entire society. By targeting school and college students for conveying knowledge in this field, the future consumers and decision makers can be prepared to play an expressive role in energy conservation through their better habits and behavior.

1 comment:

  1. thanks for the very important tips on how to go green. as you'v mentioned, the bigger and brighter pictures lies beneath what an individual is willing to do for the mother earth! :)

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