Posts Tagged ‘Energy Consumption’

If you read my posts regularly you will know that I’m a proponent of conserving energy. For instance, I make it no secret that I believe conserving energy is more important than finding alternative sources of energy.

By conserving energy we reduce our pollution in so many areas. Pollution can be caused during the energy generation process, during the energy consumption process, during the creation of the generator itself, etc. The less energy we produce and consume, the less pollution we create.

That all being said, I nearly choked when I read this article about an environmentalists who wants to draw a connection between drinking and driving and wasting energy. His thought process is that drinking and driving is considered anti-social behavior, and that’s the way we should consider wasting energy.

I’m sorry, wasting energy may be antisocial, but I see little connection to the two.

Drinking and driving creates a critically dangerous situation. Wasting energy destroys our environment, yes, but it is not something we need to treat with nearly the same urgency.

In addition, I suspect that trying to “shame” people into conserving energy is not going to change their behavior. Many still fail to recognize the damage that they are causing. If they are challenged in such an in your face manner, they may become obstinate and defend their behavior rather than changing.

I would suggest showing them the benefits that conserving energy will bring to not just our society, but to them personally.

In the article Dr Dixon says

I would agree that being able to afford to waste energy should not be the key factor in whether people decide to do so or not (obviously I want them to choose not). I’m just not sure he’s going to motivate people to change.

Am I out to lunch? Is he correct in his approach or am I? Let me know what you think.

You can read the full article at Fox News.

The problem I have with many companies that offer “green products” is that some of them are offering conventional products with a “green label”.

Proctor and Gamble is taking the environment seriously. They are doing their part to reduce their CO2 emissions and create environmentally friendly products. In addition to that they are actually measuring their performance in relation to their sustainability goals.

Wow, a company that is keeping itself accountable.

As I’ve mentioned before, I have know problem with a company making a profit, even on green products. After all, if there is no profit, then there is no incentive for the company.

What I do have a problem with is companies gouging their customers or marketing products that provide little improvement.

Well done P&G, you deserve a (reasonable) profit.

You can read the full article at Environmental Leader.

Here’s an article about eight streets competing to reduce their energy consumption. What a great idea.

It would be nice for our own streets to receive £30,000 (or the equivalent) to make our homes greener - however most of the techniques mentioned by the winners were small changes in their behavior, not huge changes in their homes.

In fact they even state it…

Little changes can make a big difference for both our savings and for our environment. Don’t wait for a competition. Start making those changes yourself.

You can read the rest of the article at The Independent.