Renewable energy is generally defined as a source of energy that is not depleted by use, such as water, wind, solar power or geothermic heat, and is collected from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale. From the point of view of self-sufficiency, renewable energy is preferable to fossil fuels. Firstly, these fossil fuel resources will be depleted in the near future due to their extensive use, and secondly they pollute the environment and living conditions.
One of the greatest questions regarding the environmental crisis is the need for energy and within it clean, renewable energy sources. Although nature’s ability to renew itself is remarkable, the destruction caused by humanity is so great that it is jeopardizing the survival of humanity itself.
Therefore, it is essential to discover and implement energy-saving both at home and in industry, to use renewable energy sources, and to reduce the ecological footprint – this can be done by stepping out of the treadmill of consumer society and transitioning to a rural lifestyle requiring a much simpler maintenance system.
Saving Energy in an Urban Environment
Use energy efficient light bulbs and install individually adjustable radiators.
Install good insulation to reduce heat loss.
Avoid gadgets operated with batteries. Even battery driven toys produce hazardous waste. Children are happy to play with simple toys made of natural materials.
Be mindful of the energy efficiency of appliances like refrigerators.
Unplug chargers after use. When leaving the house for a long period, unplug appliances.
Consider borrowing appliances and tools we don’t need all the time, rather than buy them.
Make preserves of summer produce like fruits and vegetables and store them in reusable bottles and jars, instead of having freezers. Homemade jams and pickles are tasty, healthy and can often be prepared without preservatives.
Join the ‘Earth’s Hour’ movement and turn off the lights for one hour a year. A huge amount of the Earth’s energy can be saved this way.
Heating with firewood is an environmentally friendly technology as the amount of carbon dioxide released by burning is the same as the carbon dioxide absorbed by the tree during its life.
When possible switch to renewable energy sources (e.g. solar collectors, solar panels, wind power, etc.) even if it seems to be expensive.
Clean Water
Fresh water reserves are a great asset and a great responsibility. To preserve Earth’s scarce freshwater reserves we must use them much more carefully.
SAVE EVERY DROP
Producing 1kg of meat requires about 10,000 litres of freshwater – from growing fodder, to processing meat. Treating slaughterhouse sewage also requires lots of sterilising chemicals and energy. Reduce meat consumption or join the ‘Meatless Monday’ movement, or become a vegetarian.
Water usage of all kinds should be monitored at industrial and domestic levels: we can use a tap aerator to waste less water when washing hands or taking a shower.
When buying a washing machine, consider the water usage of the various models.
Collect rainwater outside. It can be used to water the garden and even be pumped into the house to flush the toilet. Think about how you can collect rainwater in your garden or balcony.
Take a shower rather than a bath to wash away the fatigue after a long day.
Waste Management
The best method of waste management is to prevent waste production. This is not simple. However, if packaging materials get into the soil and water, they re-enter the food chain, which creates a detrimental effect on our bodies.
MANAGING WASTE – START ON A SMALL SCALE!
Recyclable waste (paper, plastic bottles, glass, tins, etc.) should be deposited at recycling points.
The most dangerous waste (batteries, fluorescent tubes, electronic waste, medicines, paint, used oil, etc.) should be deposited at specialised centres because if this get into landfills, it causes great damage.
Never burn plastic. It directly damages the health.
Single use containers should be compressed before putting them into the bin.
Avoid buying food in punnets, packets or bags, choose loose produce instead.
Whenever possible, use recycled or recyclable materials.
Kitchen waste can be composted to produce garden fertiliser.
Unnecessary clothes and household items should be given away or exchanged.
Join the annual ‘Let’s Clean Up Europe’ events organised to clean up the waste from neighbourhood communal areas.
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