Energy has become a loaded topic. It is an economic issue, a national issue, an international issue, a security issue and an environmental issue. Yet for most of us it is used routinely without much thought. This is understandable but a little extra attention one can be both practical and responsible. The grand picture says that if we use less energy, particularly petroleum, we’ll be less reliant on oil, less connected to unstable regions of the world, create less pollution, have cleaner air and water. However, this argument has a similar problem as the argument that everyone should vote. Many either don’t care, or don’t see how they make any real impact. While arguments for the collective good often support important worthy issues they can also be hard arguments to win. An ‘It’s not me’ comment can derail many discussions into the sad realm of a ‘Yes it is/No it’s not’ argument. Yet one aspect of energy that affects everyone who uses it is the cost. As energy costs rise the reason to conserve becomes simple economics. Choosing a more fuel-efficient car, insulating your home, wearing a sweater instead of cranking up the heat, are all choices that can help.
My argument isn’t that one’s
life should revolve around conserving energy, but simply to do better and
consider a variety of ways to save. Obviously a large family isn’t
going to be squeezing into a compact car to save on gas. However, if a car
owner cleans the extra junk (or weight) out of their car, keeps their car
well maintained, and clears the snow off the top their car and around the
wheel wells after a storm, these are all steps that can make a vehicle more
efficient. Even the way one drives effects mileage. Speeding and quick starts
and stops will consume more gasoline than a less aggressive driving style.
For the home, energy efficient appliances and lights can reduce an electric
bill significantly. Alternative heating sources such as wood stoves have
become very popular very quickly as the desire to cutback on an oil or gas
bill has grown. Whether one wants to conserve for economic reasons or due
to greater global concerns, there are numerous ways to make small adjustments
that can have a significant impact.
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