save some energy

I read in the Wall Street Journal that 34% of Americans think global warming is a serious issue and that immediate action is required. That is up from 29% at the turn of the century. Another poll showed that 94% of Americans surveyed said they were willing to make changes to their lives to help the environment. However, the WSJ notes that "they are willing to make changes only if it doesn't affect them too much." Only 45% would make the sacrifice of a "personal inconvenience." And only 31% thought they were doing "a great deal" to reduce their energy use.

Yet it also occurred to me that people are more than willing to spend tons of money if they can buy new gadgets to save the environment. Even if those gadgets have a very poor return on investment. Many are eager to buy solar panels, a hybrid car, or another fancy "green item." Ironically enough we always favor new technology when it comes to solving problems. Unfortunately, new technology has not done very well in this area, other than create more problems. Every time we make something more efficient, we quickly "cash in" on our savings and use even more. All the gains in fuel efficiency for cars have disappeared in heavier, larger vehicles with more powerful engines. That despite the fact that the average speed in many urban areas is only slightly above 25 mph. Do we need a 400 hp engine for that?

Friends of ours just installed new solar panels. They quickly switched all their relatively new and efficient gas appliances to electric ones and are so happy they can now run everything all the time, without ever having to worry about big utility bills. Instead of using less, they are  using more. But hey, it is free, so why me worry? Never mind all the raw materials and all the energy that went into producing these installations. And all the junk that was created by prematurely retiring perfectly fine appliances. To say nothing of the batteries that will need replacement within a few years. 

We have been looking into solar panels too. But with an electric bill that rarely goes over $30 a month, it just doesn't make any sense. The solar guy was shocked when he saw our bill. Surely there was something wrong here, he said. Not to mention that we live in a rather big house in a state where rates are among the highest in the nation. And we are not talking stone age living here. Our house has all the amenities and modern appliances that one would expect in an upper middle class neighborhood. And it isn't small either. And yes, we have regular incandescent bulbs and we do use our appliances all the time. But we also switch them off when they are not needed. And that is the key. 

I am not sure if this qualifies as a "personal inconvenience." But I have never had problems turning off lights, or computers, or the TV set. It is rather easy really. All these devices have switches and these are not hard to throw. It isn't like a major workout or anything. Sure enough, some devices are tricky and we had to plug them into powerstrips to turn them off, lest they stay in "standby mode," ready at a moment's notice. Gotta stay on top of the rat race folks.

I have also never felt the need to meditate in front of an open refrigerator door. Yet most of my neighbors and friends seem very inspired to just stand there and let the cold slip out. It is as if the sight of all those goodies bewitches them. Or maybe the cold air temporarily freezes their movement. I am not sure. For all the hurry these folks are in, they can spend amazing amounts of time in front of open fridges and freezers.

They also feel the need to light up the neighborhood. Even during the day. And to keep three TV sets going that nobody watches. There are so many devices making noise at the same time, one would think they are trying to scare the ghosts away. 

I don't think great sacrifice is needed to save energy. I don't think you need fancy devices or CFL lighting. All you need to do is turn things off when you don't use them.