How to Reduce Consumption of Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are not only a major contributor to global warming, they are also a nonrenewable energy resource that is very quickly running out and a point of political tension between the U.S. and oil-producing regions. Oil production and supplies have peaked, and tension continues as U.S. energy consumption grows. Fortunately, there are many simple things we can do to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and find a cleaner and easier source of energy. They may be small steps, but over time they will make a big impact on our environment and political situation.
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Instructions
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Reduce the amount of plastic you use. Plastic is a petroleum-based product. Use canvas bags for grocery shopping, avoid buying products with excessive packaging, carry a reusable water bottle filled with water from home instead of buying individual plastic water bottles every time you get thirsty, and buy beverages or food items packaged in glass bottles instead of plastic ones.
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Switch to a wood stove as a source of heat. If you have an oil furnace, consider installing a wood-burning stove instead. Wood costs a fraction of the price of oil, making it not only a cleaner source of heat, but a cheaper one, as well. If you must continue to use oil heat, reduce the amount you use by turning down the thermostat while away during the day or before going to bed.
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Drive less. Walk, ride a bike, take public transportation or carpool to your destination instead of driving. If this is not possible, consider buying an electric car, hybrid car or just a car with better gas mileage that will help you reduce or eliminate the amount of gasoline you use.
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Install solar panels on your home. Switching to solar power completely eliminates your dependency on fossil fuels for heat or energy in your home. Though solar power equipment can be expensive, it is slowly becoming more affordable over time as it becomes more popular.
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Buy locally grown organic produce, or plant your own organic garden. Transportation of food across the country from industrial farms to grocery stores is a big drain on fossil-fuel resources. Purchasing from local companies in your neighborhood or town cuts out the need to ship products long-distance. Non-organic farms also use large amounts of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides, so buying organic eliminates your consumption of those products.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your employer to see if they offer a company-sponsored carpool service. Some companies will give you a small stipend each month as an incentive to use the service.
References
- Photo Credit exhaust fulmes image by bilderbox from Fotolia.com
