Go Green Matter

Green technology is technology that is compatible with the environment. For green power technology, it may mean the use of sustainable forms of energy. Oil and coal based power generation is never green because it is based on extracting something from the earth and not replacing it. Oil and coal technology may be improved to make it less environmentally damaging but it can never be green.

Oil and coal represents dead animal and plants whose organic makeup have been converted into petroleum or coal. When we burn oil and coal to power our electric plants or drive our cars, we release CO2 which is the result when organic stuff is burnt. We have been driving our cars for years now and we have allowed coal and oil based power plants to release CO2 into the environment. The effect is that we have been burning the equivalent of millions of years of plant and animal growth into a relatively short amount of time, which is the 20th century.

Even if technologies to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted exists or are being developed, sustainable forms of power generation is always better because no greenhouse gases are generated. Because we are still a long way off from deriving much of our energy sources from sustainable means, we have to therefore change our way of life so that it is not so much dependent on fossil energy.

Fuel production based on biomass such as the production of bioethanol and biodiesel is not green because scarce land resources are used for producing fuel and not for food. It has been estimated that using biofuels to reduce the amount of emissions in Britain by half, requires twice the land area of the entire English archipelago to produce sufficient amounts of biodiesel.

When we use green energy and change our lifestyle, we are literally making the earth greener because less resource extraction takes place. Less mining, less cutting of trees naturally means a greener world.

As the economy and world changes, so does the way that we do things at home to keep up with the energy conservation movement. With the impending effects of climate change and the great need to help the environment, energy efficiency at home is a major concern for all. With the following home energy efficiency tips, you will find that you are saving more than the environment you are also saving yourself a pretty penny.

Replacement and maintenance of air conditioner filters
Always keep your air conditioners in top working order and replace filters when needed. If you have a dirty filter, airflow is restricted which makes the machine work double time to produce the cool air you want.

Seal leaks to keep warmth in
During winter or summer, a big cause in the escape of heat or cool air is leaks in your home. Seal all leaks with caulk, seal, or weather strips to prevent heat or cool air loss and you will find yourself using your heater or air conditioner less, and saving on electricity more.

Mount a whole house fan
Installing a whole house fan in the attic can keep your home cooler with all the fresh air it will draw into your house. This will also help you use your air conditioning less.

Use window shades
Maximize the use of window shades, awnings, and screens to create more cool shade in your home, instead of having to run your air conditioning double time to compete with the glaring hot sunlight.

By following these simple energy conservation tips you will be able to save money and energy and still play your role in saving the environment. If everyone were to practice these tips to maximize energy efficiency, they will be contributing in their small but effective way in the green movement.

With climate change driven events, there has been an increased interest in environmentally-friendly practices and how to go green. These go green movements are a global effort to address climate change and to take a part in saving the environment from destruction and irresponsible environment unfriendly ways. Everyone needs to take a part in saving different aspects of their environment for the world to have more impact. Here are some ways you can do your part:

Save on Gasoline
Instead of always using your car to go to work, carpool instead. Try other ways to get to work by commuting or by choosing healthier options like biking or walking.

Save on Water
Basic things you can do to save water at home is to take shorter showers instead of having luxurious long ones ‘just because.’ Turn the faucet off when you are brushing your teeth and in between rinses. Not all clothes (like jeans) need everyday washing so you can reuse them several times before throwing them into the laundry basket.

Save on Energy
Do simple things to save on energy at home by using power strips or by minimizing the use of your dryer by air drying clothes. Turn off all lights when you are not using them and also use energy efficient bulbs instead of traditional ones.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Try not to create so much trash! Don’t accept plastic bags and opt to use reusable canvass bags or boxes. Instead of buying mineral water, bring your water bottle everywhere with you and just refill it when you get thirsty. Always recycle what can be recycled.

Remember that everyone has a responsibility to go green and to keep our environment clean, healthy, and protected. Be aware on how to go green and how do your part by following these useful tips so that you too have a positive impact on the only world that we will ever have.