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Revision as of 20:27, 18 July 2005

For the physical concept, see conservation of energy.

Energy conservation is the idealistic practice of using energy resources in a sustainable way by considering which processes are wasteful, and addressing those inefficiencies. It is an important issue in manufacturing, primarily for economic reasons.

As the clearly finite quantities of non-renewable resources like coal, crude oil and natural gas are reduced further, the question of conserving the remaining stocks until potential alternatives (like fusion power) may be found viable will become more pressing. This can be addressed through conservation of energy, or increased production by other means. The latter process does not consider other environmental consequences of increasing production of energy.

In the United States, Energy Star is a government program to promote energy-efficient consumer products. The EU energy label is a similar European Union program.

Tips for consumers

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 to 80% less electricity. Just remember that the manufacture of such lighting takes a bit more of nature's resources than the making of the old, ineffective ones.

• When using a dishwasher, use the "light" cycle unless you are sure the load is dirty enough to particularly need a thorough washing. You'll save water, electricity and time. The same guidelines also apply for clothes' washing machines, although with fabrics a higher degree of caution is required.

• Many everyday home appliances have gotten notable technological advancements in the last few years, allowing them to perform the same tasks with much less electricity and seeming stress towards nature. In particular, computer displays and refrigerators have greatly benefited from technological advancements, modern ones taking a fraction of the energy of the previous models and new fridges no longer employing harmful freons as the coolant. However, the manufacture of modern technology does always take a great toll on nature, so while it may be a sound idea at the economical standpoint of the individual to replace the old appliance, it may be less so from the moral or idealistic one.

• Turn the lights out when you leave a room. From a strict energy conservation standpoint this advice applies to any lighting that uses up energy - fluorescent and incandescent lights just the same. The idea that it takes more energy to switch a fluorescent light on and off than to simply leave it on is a pure myth. The only downside to cycling a fluorescent is a shortening of its life expectancy and studies have proven that the extra lamp replacement expense is much less than the energy cost savings.
• Buy paper towels and toilet paper made of recycled paper.
• Insulate your home properly.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys.
• Avoid flying (if possible take an alternative mode of transport).
• Avoid air conditioning, or use it correctly (close doors and windows etc).

See also

• alternative fuel
• economics
• environmentalism
• fossil fuels
• future energy development
• greenpeace
• list of environment topics
• peak oil
• recycling
• thermal depolymerization
• waste management

External links

Kilowatt Ours

• Energy
• Environment
• Peak oil