The Energy Solution (America, experience)

finalfrogo · #1 04-26-2006, 06:21 PM

What do you think is the most sensible solution for the energy problem in America? Can we continue with fossil fuels, or should we make a change to alternative energies as soon as possible? Which alternative energies should we use, and why? Is nuclear power an acceptable power source?

I was originally going to post this under "current events," but that's a discussion subforum and people may want to debate on this issue.

evearael · #2 04-26-2006, 06:33 PM

Reduction is key. Americans are extravagent in their energy consumption, and there are simple methods to reduce it... and save money! Recycling is awesome, when possible, but it isn't available everywhere. Freecycle and thrift stores are excellant for giving items another go. Shifting towards alternative energies now will certainly help put us ahead later, as well as reduce our dependency on OPEC... which would be good. The energy solution needs to fit the area. Nuclear power... I'm not touching that one. I've known two really knowledgable people on both sides of the fence and they both made excellent, informed arguements.

finalfrogo · #3 04-26-2006, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evearael

Reduction is key. Americans are extravagent in their energy consumption, and there are simple methods to reduce it... and save money! Recycling is awesome, when possible, but it isn't available everywhere. Freecycle and thrift stores are excellant for giving items another go. Shifting towards alternative energies now will certainly help put us ahead later, as well as reduce our dependency on OPEC... which would be good. The energy solution needs to fit the area. Nuclear power... I'm not touching that one. I've known two really knowledgable people on both sides of the fence and they both made excellent, informed arguements.

Yeah, reduction is essential. If everyone just used a little less, collectively we would have so much more.

Booko · #4 04-26-2006, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

Yeah, reduction is essential. If everyone just used a little less, collectively we would have so much more.

I'm very concerned about the use of ethanol, though.

They'd have you believe that it's a "renewable" resource.

The topsoil used to grow those crops is NOT renewable. imo it should be tilled back into the ground.

It may be a useful stopgap while we find ways to wean ourselves off of fossil fuel, but there's a limit to how long we can do that and not ruin the biggest bit of arable land in the world.

(I live in Atlanta, and our land is _still_ ruined as a result of farming methods used to grow cotton 100 years ago. Topsoil? What's that??)

evearael · #5 04-26-2006, 07:07 PM

This is a good site on the subject:

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/home.cfm

finalfrogo · #6 04-26-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booko

I'm very concerned about the use of ethanol, though.

They'd have you believe that it's a "renewable" resource.

The topsoil used to grow those crops is NOT renewable. imo it should be tilled back into the ground.

It may be a useful stopgap while we find ways to wean ourselves off of fossil fuel, but there's a limit to how long we can do that and not ruin the biggest bit of arable land in the world.

(I live in Atlanta, and our land is _still_ ruined as a result of farming methods used to grow cotton 100 years ago. Topsoil? What's that??)

Yeah, and it takes A LOT of farmland to produce satisfiable amounts. It also needs a bit of gasoline in it for it to be used as an effective fuel.

Booko · #7 04-26-2006, 08:28 PM

I was considering adding a heat pump to our house to either replace or augment our gas furnace.

Anyone have any experience with them?

finalfrogo · #8 04-26-2006, 09:00 PM

You should consider a solar-powered heater.

Although complete reliance on solar panels is somewhat ridiculous, using solar energy for certain appliances--like a water heater, would drastically cut back on energy usage. (Non-renewable energy, I mean)

Booko · #9 04-26-2006, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

You should consider a solar-powered heater.

Although complete reliance on solar panels is somewhat ridiculous, using solar energy for certain appliances--like a water heater, would drastically cut back on energy usage. (Non-renewable energy, I mean)

Where can I find out about them? My water heater will probably poop out in a few years anyway, and I don't think it's a terribly efficient model.

Booko · #10 04-26-2006, 09:43 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention...

It's not like I'm saving that much gas, but I turned my front yard into a butterfly garden and shrubby area for birds. We have a "path" of grass, and then got one of those old-fashioned push reel mowers. It's a wonderful thing, and you can mow anytime and your neighbors won't even hear you.

But the thing is: air pollution

The biggest source of air pollution today is 2-cycle engines.

Yes, friends, that means your lawn mowers, leaf blowers and weed wacker.

If you can, either do it manually the old fashioned way, or consider electric tools. The power plant doesn't put out as much air pollution as that 2-cycle engine.

[lecture mode OFF]