My friend sent me a mail regarding a few potential threats to our world. Global warming was one among them that got me thinking the most, other than Population explosion and food crisis. I am not going to touch any of the controversial topics regarding the issue. I am more inclined towards finding a solution to this issue. It has been argued that it is just a hokum and that no global warming is actually taking place! None-the-less, I write this post to urge you to NOT base your opinions on whether or not there is a threat to the world due to global rise in temperature, I ask you to consider the fact that inefficient use of energy is causing a lot of damage to the environment and we are infact heading towards energy crisis in the near future.
Having said that, from the global warming perspective, saving energy will help restrict the adverse effects it might have on the environment. So, I believe that as a citizen without legislative powers, our major contribution towards this issue would be to first act in what ever way we can and secondly to spread awareness. I had a discussion with a friend of mine a few days back about wasting food. She said that even though there is so much news about food crisis in the world, she sees her friends wasting food. Then she said it was because they were not aware of the situation. I was a bit confused, I said, everyone knows about it. I think they too know about it but they just dont care. But she said there was a lot of difference between knowing and understanding. I didnt get the meaning at first, but then it hit me that she was absolutely right. It has the same distiction as hearing and listening! So, awareness is not knowledge of the issue. Awareness is a point where a person would actually start thinking of a solution to the problem rather than look at it.
Anyways, I thought for some time and came up with these small things that can help when done collectively in large numbers.
1)Computers is the first thing that come to my mind. Here are a few stats to that
- Considering that we have p4 and above or equivalents with decent graphics cards, the CPU alone will consume anywhere between 75 watts to 125 watts.
- A CRT monitor wight consume about 75 watts while LCD would consume about 35 watts at 17”
- A loptop might consume about 55 watts when idle
- Screen saver will NOT reduce the power used by the monitor.
- System under hibernation will use anywhere between 2-6 watts
- Switched off monitor will use about 8 watts
So, considering these stats, I think it is pretty much clear that we can save a lot of energy from our part. Using latest processors will save energy rather than using older ones. I think when you put something for download, atleast switch the monitor off and fo to sleep. That will save some power. Switch to LCD if possible to reduce the power consumption to half. And, instead of putting your system on standby, shut it down or atleast hibernate it! Angain, screen savers will NOT save any energy.
2)Simillarly, TV also consumes energy when you watch it. Now, I am not saying not to watch TV at all. Limit it. Its also good for you 
. Jokes apart, switcing to LCD will help cut the energy usage of a TV. Thats something we can strive for.
3)We need to be more considerate when using water. You see, there is a lot of energy that is wasted to pump water from the reserviour to your home. So, when you use more water than necessary, you are not only wasting the WATER, you are also wasting the energy that has gone into supplying that water. For example, when washing a car, instead of using a pipe that runs continuously use a bucket to hold the water. Using those taps that limit the flow of water (I dont know what they are called) might also help save water when doing dishes. Also, we need to consider the amount of energy that we use to heat water for bating purposes. Automatic water heater of solar powered heaters are ideal. But, they cost more and thats the biggest drawback.
4)The most obvious thing to do is using public transport. I know its highly inconvenient at more than one occasion. But, atleast we need to start trying to do it. Bicycles are also good option for short distance commuting.
5)Incandescent bulb must be replaced by fluorescent ones that save energy. A 100 watts incandescent bulb gives same light as 25 watt fluorescent bulb and thats saying something. So, next time think before you buy a bulb!
6)Clean renewable energy like solar power, wind mills and other non-conventional sources must be effectively tapped. For this, one might show interest towards making some research into these fields. Pressurizing the government to act accordingly to utilize non-conventional energy resources.
7)Spreading real awareness among the people is also our responsibility. We must take it seriously
Any suggestions and additions to this are welcome. Please leave it as a comment to this post
