Environmental Science and Energy - Essay Example

It is also important to acknowledge the fact that energy cuts across all areas of our lives but very perishable. Therefore, there is a need to use energy responsibly or reduce usage altogether. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, there are several ways on how to reduce the energy used at homes which include taking precautions like unplugging some of the appliances that are not commonly used in the house. For example, the presence of an extra refrigerator requires that you unplug it from the main source of energy to save power.

Unplugging electronics chargers when not in use or using power strips to switch off televisions and radios. It is also advisable to set your computers to sleep as well as hibernating mode just in case they're not switched off (Consumer Reports 2006). Alternately, an individual can incorporate renewable sources such as solar energy to heat bath water instead of using un-renewable energy. However, implementing these changes is accompanied by several challenges like cost and unavailability of required resources.

In addition, some individuals live in remote areas, and due to lack of information, they may not have the knowledge or the potential to tap resources such as solar and wind energy.One of the most consumed forms of energy in many homes in the USA is the fuel which has been known to contributor to greenhouse gas emission and noxious gases into the atmosphere (US Department of Energy, 2013). In attempts to avoid the use of fuel, electrical and hydrogen-powered vehicles have proven to be the best alternative.

This is because they can cover many miles, are them cost-effective, and do not emit noxious gases. Therefore, although such vehicles are very expensive, it is the best method to reduce fuel consumption. In conclusion, it is clear that we can only reduce the use of energy by first identify what, how energy is used in most homes and then utilizing the options that guarantee efficiency. Reduction on energy consumption is possible if we redesign our energy systems to use less energy, and if this option is not feasible, then replace the whole system with energy-saving alternatives.

Moreover, some of the green initiatives involve redesigning vehicles in a way that allows the consumption of green power.