TOPIC 'Ecological Electricity' on Dec 19, 2008 (CET)
Green Is Here To Stay
U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama is going to do everything he can to get America on a new, greener energy course. Goals will be set for utilities and construction standards on new buildings are sure to change as well. Wind generation and solar energy are options that will be seriously considered to provide clean, renewable energy sources and get away from fossil fuels and those energy sources that contribute carbon to the environment. Some of the alternative energy forms still have much testing and experimentation to provide maximum operating efficiency.
While the world is waiting for some of the technologies to improve, there are things that can be done now to conserve energy. In your home, add insulation where possible and when renovations are made, use the best materials from the most environmentally friendly sources to make those upgrades to your home. When purchasing new appliances, research the data to ensure you are getting the best energy-saving model possible.
Saving energy also means changing old habits. Pay attention to lights left on in rooms that aren’t in use, and turn off items plugged into electricity that aren’t being used. Monitor the temperature and thermostat in your home. Utilize energy-efficient light bulbs; even though they may be a little more expensive in the short term, they will save you money on your electric bill over the long term.
Getting in the habit of noticing how much energy is used and how much is wasted can be beneficial to you when, in time, you will need to have an understanding of how to value energy. President-Elect Obama wants to see 10 percent of the United States electrical needs provided by renewable sources by the year 2012, with that number increasing to 25 percent by 2025. He also plans to introduce a “cap-and-trade” program that will endeavor to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 by 80 percent.
It will take some determination and willpower to see these goals achieved. Every U.S. citizen needs to gradually start getting involved now.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany
