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Many of us remember the energy crisis of the 1970s saw lines of cars waiting to fill their tanks, and hear stories of gas extraction from gas local farmers barrel. Locking gas cap with wire spring contraptions have been placed on the market to keep would-be thefts from draining your car's gas tank.
As a child I had hoped that the Americans a way to deal with us (and the rest of the world) ever-growing energy needs would be an engineer. But here we are, 40 years later, in themidst of a worldwide energy crisis that everything from the cost of commuting to your job affects the price of the meals that you serve your family. As winter looms upon us, many families worry about the fact that they pay to choose between heating their homes and their mortgage.
The ongoing debate on global warming compared to natural weather patterns continue to rage on earth. I have listened to both sides of the argument, and personally believe that there are too many politicians andseeking major oil companies, the profits from our fossil fuels, no great efforts to curb the habit, that in the foreseeable future.
Whether the industrial revolution has contributed to rising temperatures of the earth or not, we can all try to do our part to reduce our own energy consumption. When I think about ways that I can change my own personal lifestyle to work towards this goal, there are a few things that come to mind:
o commute – I commute 35 miles to my job (70mikes round-trip) per day. I started carpooling about 15 years ago and you continue to do so, I can. I bought a Honda Accord fuel two years ago, and quickly noticed the higher mileage that I replaced the Chevy Malibu that it will be. Experts note that the retention of an older, more fuel-efficient cars is well cared for cheaper than buying a hybrid car, and it is much more affordable – even if one day I hope to own a hybrid.
o errands – Ibought a bike this spring, which I use for mostly recreational, but have reached a point where I hop on my bike for local destinations, and not anywhere in my car. It is also a good way to get in shape, and I did not drive to the gym!
o Employers – Many businesses are switching to 4-day work week to reduce travel costs for their employees. I have an inquiry to find out from my employers HR department to what is being done.Nothing is in the works, but I plan to continue for the options, press both the company and employees.
o Your work – I work in the computer industry, which relies heavily on the power grid. There is a huge movement to "green" to go into the industry, and a trend, I'm totally on board. Accommodate newer technologies, blade servers and virtual servers can greatly reduce the energy cost of operating a computer room, and we do everything we in our officeTo implement these newer technologies.
o Home Heating – We spent a weekend in a Bed and Breakfast in Lanesboro, MN in July. They had recently completed a geo-thermal system in her front yard, which is used to cool and heat its 100-year-old house. As much as I would like to do this to me back home, the cost is too prohibitive for me at this time. However, I plan on a programmable thermostat in the heating season starts to install, reduce my home heating costs. I had checked my ovenLast year, to ensure that it could function efficiently as possible. I will also check weather-stripping around my doors and windows to keep heat in and cold.
o electricity – turn off lights and other appliances when not in use will reduce your electricity costs and the replacement of older, inefficient appliances will also help. Install power strips in your home office, so you simply turn off power to all devices can, if they are not in use.
Get in the mode of constantSearch for ways to boost energy efficiency in your day-to-day activities. Could be replaced, you watch for wind, solar and fuel options, alternatives for your home. The less we use – the lower the costs for all of us!