Ideas to Reduce Use of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels have become the bane of modern civilization. What we need are solid, realistic ideas to reduce the use of fossil fuels across the world. Let's take a look at some of the best options.

Fossil fuels are taking a beating these days wherever you look. That being said, let's not be too critical of these energy sources. Without them, you and I would still be riding around in horse drawn buggies on dirt roads. Much like eating too many bonbons, too much fossil fuel use has left us in a precarious position. We are negatively impacting our environment while also starting to feel the results of depletion of certain key fossil fuels, particularly oil. As a result, finding ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels now makes both environmental and economic sense.

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Energy Efficiency

The first step is a simple one. We need to become more energy efficient when we do power up. This is a step that is actually well under way and having a positive effect. You can see it in the form of the Energy Start program for home appliances and machinery that uses electricity. In 2008, homeowners buying these products cut their energy use by the equivalent of the emissions from 29 million cars and saved 18 billion dollars on their utility bills. Hybrid cars are another example of converting a key part of our societal structure to a more energy efficient option and electric cars are just around the corner.

Solar

Solar energy is the great puzzle waiting to be solved. The sunlight hitting the planet every day is just packed with energy. The energy in a single day of sunlight is the equivalent to what we use in an entire year as a PLANET. If only we could harvest it. Well, research is making huge improvements in this area. Universities like Kansas State are researching nano solar particles that will act like molecular solar panels. Think about that for a second. Sometime soon, you'll be able to paint solar panels onto your car, home, laptop, iPod and whatever works off electricity. When this level is reached, the use of fossil fuels will plummet like a rock thrown out a plane.

Nuclear

Nuclear energy is a huge bugaboo to many, but there is no denying that it is a viable energy resource. Countries like France derive a huge percentage of their energy from nuclear power plants and have had no problems with safety. It is difficult to imagine the US turning back to this energy source given public opinions, but there is no arguing that nuclear power is cheap and does not contribute to climate change.

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Small Changes

The truth of the matter is we are well on our way to making a difference because of the small changes that people are making. This includes everyone. Architects now regularly include green elements in their designs. Developers do the same. You and I take steps in everything from recycling to demanding energy efficient products like cars and appliances. The more we demand products that are not fossil fuel based, the more we'll see this green evolution continue.

There are plenty of other ideas to reduce fossil fuel use. They range from wind power to biomass energy to even harnessing the power in tides. All are part of the solution for sustaining our way of life in the future while limiting our use of fossil fuels.

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