CONSERVE ENERGY - TURN OFF, CUT DOWN & RECYCLE...

If the scientists predictions about global warming are true then mankind is facing a major catastrophe, and we can all claim a small part in that change, in the energy we consume to fulfil our modern way of life. We MUST make changes to our lifestyles to reduce our footprint on this planet. These changes MUST occur SOON and really need to be quite RADICAL as time is running out. Much of what we have already done is irreversible in the short term. The planet will heal itself sure, but it may take thousands or even millions of years.

During our planets fledgling years the CO2 levels were much higher, and the ambient temperature was likely to have been very much warmer than today (greenhouse effect). However over the many millions of years, plants and organisms consumed the CO2 from the atmosphere as they grew, they then in turn died and fell to the earth they were buried away for eternity. The forces of heat and pressure then converted these plants and organisms into Coal, Oil and Gas (fossil fuels). Thus the CO2 in our atmosphere was locked away and the planet cooled down to the the levels we enjoy today. However in our thirst for energy we then systematically dug up and burned these fossil fuels thus re-releasing the CO2 back into our atmosphere.

It is no surprise then, that the Earth is once again warming up. This increased temperature is causing the ice caps to melt, and the sea levels to rise due to expansion, as well as being topped up from the melting ice. If all the ice melted in Greenland alone sea levels would rise by 23 feet! Additionally more energy (heat) in the atmosphere fuels more evaporation from our land and seas, which must of course return to earth in the form of rain. The whole process generates movement of air around the planet giving us more wind and storms. In recent years we have seen increasingly severe storms around the planet so we need to be prepared for the worst.

See also: Global Warming, Energy efficiency in British housing, Carbon footprint, Energy saving, Solar energy, Wind power and Wave power

WHAT MUST WE DO?

We must stop burning the Coal, Oil and Gas, and leave it in the ground. Thus we need to stop, generating our electricity by burning these fuels, stop heating our houses with gas, and drive electric cars that use electricity from eco sources.

Initially we can start by reducing our electricity consumption, switch off non essential items, turn your heating thermostat down, and reduce your use of the car to the absolute minimum. Below you will see the ways in which you can reduce your energy consumption in the short term, however we must make more radical changes in the longer term.

The percentage savings above represent the amount you can save on your total energy consumption. Dont forget too, that saving energy also has the benefit of saving you money. Just the heating and lighting recommendations above, alone, may save you several hundred pounds in one year.

See also: LED lamps

CLEAN ENERGY - THE OPTIONS...

Solar, wind and wave look like the best options, however they all require a lot of money and investment, which is probably why their take up has been so slow. However we also need to consider any impact that the mass conversion of the sun, wind and wave will have on the planet (if any).

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?...

MORE ON LIGHTING...

Traditional (Incandescent) light bulbs are very inefficient, much of the energy consumed is given off as heat. Additionally there is a current trend for installing Halogen downlighters instead of the traditional suspended bulb. Just one Halogen downlighter uses nearly the same amount of electricity (50W) as one 60W suspended incandescent bulb. The average installation of these lights is 4 or more units, consuming 200W for the four. Don't be fooled low voltage or not they still consume the same amount of power, as a 240V version.

There are now alternatives to replace these Halogen bulbs, Compact Fluorescent Types consume only 7-11W each. LED versions are even better they consume only one or two watts each! You could have 30 LED downlighters in the room and it would only consume the same electricity as one 60W bulb. They cost a lot more to buy, but they last much longer than Halogens, combined with the savings you will make they will soon pay for themselves.