Life without electricity would be a gloomy place to live. Think about it, if the energy suddenly shuts off forever the lights wouldn’t turn on, the summers would be too hot and the winters, too cold. There would be no mobile phones, no TV, and no internet. So it is safe to say that the modern world highly depends on electricity – in fact, we have placed so much value on electricity that functioning without it would be almost impossible.
Electricity has certainly been good to us, however, as good as electricity is, it does come with a harsh price – according to Power Scorecard, the electric power industry produces more pollution than any other single industry. Traditionally energy derived from fossil fuels continuously emits carbon, mercury, NOx and sulfur dioxide which degrades the quality of the air, land, and groundwater. This environmental degradation is negatively affecting the eco-system and causing things such as climate changes, plant and animal extinction and poor health for animals as well as humans.
The only way to reverse these negative effects is for all of us to use electricity more sustainably. There are many little actions we can do to help curb the emissions brought on by energy consumption, below are the top ten.
Top 10 Ways to be a Sustainable Energy Consumer:
- Research your provider: Many people are unaware of their choices when it comes to choosing an energy supplier. However, by referencing a comparison site such as www.albertaenergyproviders.com you can find more sustainable energy suppliers. Switching providers may also save you money on your monthly bill.
- Insulate your home: Homes that aren’t properly insulated requires more heating and cooling which translates to pounds of harmful emissions. You can drastically reduce your footprint by sealing all the holes and cracks in your home. Also by updating your windows to energy efficient varieties and by wrapping your water heater with an insulation jacket.
- Update your appliances: Older refrigerators, television sets, and computers suck more energy than the newer more energy efficient options. Look for the energy star logo on your appliances before purchasing.
- Turn them off: The simple act of turning off the lights when you leave the room and switching off your appliances can help save electricity. You can install a clapper and purchase a power strip to help you with this one.
- Clean up: Cleaning your air filters often will take the added stress off your air conditioners and heaters.
- Turn down your water heater: Turning down your heater by just ten degrees can deter up to 600 pounds of emissions from being released.
- Switch bulbs: Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs.
- Low flow everything: Using low-flow shower heads and faucets will cut down on hot water usage. You can also install low-flow toilets.
- Keep houseplants: houseplants not only help to regulate the temperature of the space, they also eat CO2 emissions and help improve the quality of the indoor air. Make an effort to stylishly keep houseplants in every room of the home.
- Hang blackout curtains: Blackout curtains are integrated with insulating technology that helps to regulate the indoor temperature and curb the use of electricity.
Of course, the number one way to be a sustainable electricity consumer is to not use it at all. You can use solar energy to light your home and power your appliances and you can even purchase a solar oven to cook with when the weather allows it. Additionally, you should purchase reusable items, avoid generating trash and use your bike more often.