Many low-tech means are at our fingertips to reduce the energy consumption in our homes. Webster’s defines Conservation as: “a careful preservation and protection of something, especially: planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect” (Merriam-Webster Colligate Dictionary). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation )

 

When we were developing the ways to use the chemical energy inherent in fossil fuels, we stood in collective awe at how this seemingly simple liquid (oil), solid (coal), and gaseous substance transformed our lives here in the west. We have recently had many wake-up calls about the limited supply of petroleum products available to us. And then, there are the dramatic increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2, a greenhouse gas, as a result of our burning of these fossil fuels.

 

Conservation on the home front should be motivated by the desire to reduce our energy consumption. After we achieve energy savings through these efforts is the time to consider alternative, probably grid-tied, energy generation by solar panels and/or wind turbines. Many have heard of some of the things we can do to reduce our energy consumption.

 

Weather-stripping doors, caulking around windows and doors, insulation of attics and crawl spaces, and other methods to lower air infiltration are very low tech but a most critical start. Installing higher quality windows and doors, replacing older appliances for newer Energy Star appliances (energystar.gov/), and learning how our individual, family, community, and regional lifestyles impact energy consumption will help in a number of ways.

First, we will become more conscious of our energy impact by seeing heating, cooling and lighting costs go down.  Second, we won’t as easily take energy for granted, knowing that how we live affects many others. If we start by doing our part to conserve, encourage our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to do their part, soon we will take a huge bite out of our energy consumption footprint. 

Tags: Energy-Conservation Energy-Reduction

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