| There is no question that we as Americans use a lot | | | | efficient when running errands. |
| of nonrenewable resources. We use electricity that is | | | | 2. We can use less electricity. We can shut off lights |
| made by the burning of fossil fuels, mainly coal. We fly | | | | when not being used. We can switch to more energy |
| in jets that burn aviation fuel, fuel that is refined from | | | | efficient light bulbs. We can adjust our thermostats so |
| petroleum oil. We drive in automobiles that operate on | | | | they don't use so much electricity: set them just a |
| gasoline engines, gasoline refined from petroleum oil. | | | | degree or two higher. If every one did this throughout |
| We purchase items that are transported across the | | | | the country, the combined savings would be |
| seas and overland by burning more and more fuel. | | | | astronomical. We can use our laundry machines and |
| Many of the items that we purchase are made of | | | | dishwashers less. Combine loads. Take less or shorter |
| petroleum by-products, such as plastics, lubricants, | | | | hot showers. The list is endless of how we can use |
| even clothing. | | | | less electricity. |
| We, as a nation, need to cut back on the amount of | | | | 3. We can use more renewable energy sources. |
| these nonrenewable resources we are using. We are | | | | Sources like wind power, solar power, hydro-electric |
| harming the environment by the mining of the coal that | | | | power, even wood can all be used to light and cool |
| we use, by the drilling of the oil necessary to sustain | | | | and clean and heat our homes. We can insist that the |
| our addiction, by the simple transportation of these | | | | companies that we buy electricity from create some, |
| products. We harm the environment every time a strip | | | | most or all of their energy from renewable fuel |
| mining company cuts the top off a mountain to get at | | | | sources. We can demand that they investigate and |
| more coal. Every time an oil rig fails and dumps millions | | | | construct wind farms. We can demand that they |
| of barrels of oil into our oceans and upon our shores. | | | | provide us a green energy option. |
| Every time a tanker spills their cargo into our seas. It | | | | 4. We can become electric self sufficient by |
| isn't their problem, it's our problem. | | | | converting our homes to wind power or solar power |
| We can head in the right direction and consume less | | | | by installing wind turbine electrical generator systems |
| nonrenewable resources as a nation, if we act as | | | | or solar panel electrical generating systems. These |
| individuals and take a few simple measures to reduce | | | | conversions can be performed at a cost that will pay |
| our consumption. | | | | for itself in a few years time based on the amount of |
| | | | electricity that need not be purchased after the |
| 1. We can use less gasoline. We can just drive less. | | | | conversion is installed. Much of the conversion process |
| We can use more fuel efficient cars. We can car pool, | | | | can be done in a do-it-yourself fashion, saving |
| or bike or walk to work. We can tele-commute to | | | | expense. |
| work. We can plan our trips better so we are more | | | | |