Energy

Why is energy important?

Early in human history, energy was first used by people for heating, lighting, and cooking. As humans began to farm larger tracts of land, their energy demands changed. Domesticated animals were used for energy sources to pull plows. When the industrial revolution occurred, people's energy demands changed to meet the needs of industry. Work that was done by people and animals were then transferred over to machines. These machines required more natural resources such as iron and coal to produce large amounts of steel for tractors, pipe, windmils, etc. As the population increased, the demand for more products, such as clothing, shoes, household items, etc., required more energy to produce.

The most common fuel sources used today are fossil fuels (PETROLEUM, COAL AND NATURAL GAS). Other energy sources are biomass fuels (GARBAGE, WOOD, METHANE, AND ALCOHOL). Other energy sources being used are nuclear, wind, solar power, hydroelectric, tidal, and geothermal. Nuclear fusion is being researched for future use.

Energy, although invisible, is needed to heat and cool homes, cook our meals, fuel our transportation, and to operate our farms and businesses.

Did you know that?

  1. More than 25% of the average city apartment dweller's electrical costs go for refrigeration.

  2. If every gas-heated home was properly caulked, weather-stripped, and insulated, enough natural gas would be saved annually to heat about 4,000,000 homes.

  3. In one year people use up the amount of fossil fuel that took one million years to produce.

  4. If every household in the United States lowered its average heating temperature six degrees for 24 hours, we could save more than 570,000 barrels of oil.

How can students be more sustainable?

  1. Turn off lights, television, and appliances when you leave a room.

  2. Walk, ride a bicycle, carpool, or take public transportation whenever possible.

  3. Know what you want out of the refrigerator before you open the door.

  4. Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.

For more educational information on energy see the following web sites:

  • Pacific ,Gas, and Electric: Energy Tips-Energenius Educational Series for Elementary School

  • Solstice-The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology: Sustainable Energy Guide

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