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Energy Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Sources
Sunday, March 11, 2007
2:58:00 PM EDT
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2:58:00 PM EDT
Energy Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Sources
After I wrote my last post about Al Gore's huge utility bills, I asked David Tuft, a campaign director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, this question: How important is energy conservation as opposed to purchasing renewables?
His response:
"As for conservation vs. renewables? They're both important strategies to reduce global warming pollution. Efficiency is the fastest, cheapest source of clean energy, but most folks will still need to power their cars and homes, and renewable sources have the best environment footprint. But they're not available everywhere. Thus, there's a third option--carbon offsets. No matter where you are or what your "load" is, you can offset your CO2 which will typically goes to purchase new wind or other forms of renewable energy elsewhere.
All this being said, without a national framework to cut emissions we will only make so much progress toward reducing our carbon footprint. We need a carbon marketplace that rewards clean energy choices for consumers and business. Fortunately, American families are pointing in a new direction for our country where energy is clean, affordable and reliable."
There is an old debate in environmental circles: Should we focus on conserving energy, or build more renewable energy sources (solar power, wind power)? Because the U.S. population keeps growing, so too does our energy use. I agree with David that both strategies are important. We need to try to use less electricity and invest more in clean-energy sources, to reduce pollution and help slow down global warming.
How much can energy conservation and efficiency save us? Sierra magazine, published by the Sierra Club, had this great article in the Jan/Feb issue: "Negawatt Power: The Simplest Solution to Global Warming." In it, writer Reed McManus points out that the United States can cut its energy use by 30 percent through efficiencymeasures, and that "more-aggressive national policies that emphasize renewable energy sources and efficiency could save a typical American family at least $650 a year." Save energy and save money.
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Do you think we should pursue both energy conservation and more renewable sources? How do you conserve energy at home? Post your thoughts here.
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