To set the record straight, I am not a green activist. However, I do believe in being prudent insofar as my energy consumption is concerned. My objective here is to take a look at misconceptions about green energy and how we can do our part to save energy.
First of all, green energy can never supplant fossil fuels. Solar panels, natural gas and windmills are not sufficient to supply the world's need for energy. To say otherwise is but a pipedream, a fantasy, a hope for a utopia.
Unfortunately, in the United States, the Biden administration has cut crucial pipelines essential for energy independence and this does not bode well whatsoever. Gas prices have reached $8 a gallon in some areas. It's akin to the gas crisis of the 1970s, and was a wholly irresponsible move by President Biden.
Some Facts
Asian's and Europeans are fond of bidet's in their restrooms. This has not caught on in the U.S. We waste a lot of energy, natural resources and, specifically, water. People wrongly believe a bidet consumes a lot of water. Not so much!
If the U.S used a bidet in restrooms, 15 million trees could be saved. Each year American's use 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper. It also takes 37 gallons of water to make a single roll of toilet paper. Wow! Conversely, a bidet only uses 1/8th of a gallon to flush the toilet. A typical flush without a bidet consumes 5 gallons of water. It is easily observable how much water is wasted.
Earth Day
I don't participate in this event. I stick to my normal routine. If I need a light, I turn it on; if I need to use the air conditioner, I do. However, unlike many participants of Earth Day, I do practice wise methods to better the Earth, specifically: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Virtue signaling by cutting off one's electricity for a day certainly helps, but most people are back to squandering energy the very next day. I find it hypocritical.
Windmills
When we think of windmills, we likely think of the picturesque ones of Holland. At least I do. Windmills have advantages and disadvantages. For one, they do supply approximately 9% of the U.S. electrical power as of 2020. However, they only operate at around 40% efficiency. Not great. Another bright point about windmills is that they do not cause pollution, well, except for noise pollution. If you have ever driven past a windmill farm, it is deafening.
One of the main disadvantages of windmills is that they are not only costly to make, but they must be placed in the proper location where cool air flows and the wind blows. This is ideal for areas like Chicago and Pennsylvania, not so much for the Southern U.S.
Another negative aspect of windmills is the disruption they cause on the animal and bird habitat. Birds routinely fly right into the rotor blades. Additionally, plant life may well be disrupted and not grow. It seems selfish to me that we are willing to trade our pleasures for the demise of animals and the ecosystem, but that is my opinion.
How you can help
You don't have to be an activist to conserve energy. Following simple steps on a regular basis is all you need to do: set your thermostat at a comfy level, turn off your lights when not in use, reduce, reuse and recycle, and think of creative ways to save energy. We only have one planet, so let's make it better for all.
Cool post. We don't see many like this.