“That is, the earth will no longer be a comfortable shelter for humans, animals, and plants. It is even possible humans could never survive in such conditions,” said Jumina.

The increase in CO2 emissions constant that causes environmental experts feel very concerned. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions was carried out, among others, through the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1999. Unfortunately, the United States as the second largest contributor of CO2 emissions in the world until now not willing to sign the protocol.

“So it is China which is the largest producer of CO2 emissions in the world,” he said later.

The data show, the energy sector’s contribution to CO2 emissions and global warming phenomenon is huge. Thus, in order to reduce the level of domestic CO2 emissions and curb global warming, then the application of the concept of clean energy is needed.”Clean energy can be interpreted as an environmentally friendly energy, or energy that does not cause environmental pollution,” explained Jumina.

If Indonesia can implement the concept of clean energy, the energy system is built not only produces energy security in the sense of a proper balance between the needs and the national energy supply, but also can realize the creation of a healthy environment, comfortable, and sustainable. ”So the energy system that is applied to visionary far ahead without depriving basic rights of future generations,” said Jumina.

Fact, the development of clean energy technologies and environmentally friendly in Indonesia have not been satisfactory. Limited ability of human resources is a major factor. For that, PSE GMU in cooperation with the Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University held a day seminar on “Human Resources Development Sector Towards Clean Energy National Energy Security”, in the building UGM Graduate, Tuesday (12/04/2011).

Seminars featuring several speakers, including members of the National Energy Board (DEN) Dr. Ir Tumiran MEng; Director of Energy, Telecommunications and Information Agency Jadhie Ir J Ardajat MSi; Director General of Oil and Gas Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Ing Evita Legowo; Director of Primary Energy PLN Ir Nur Pamudji MEng; Head of the Climate Assessment and Quality of Industry Ministry of Industry Ir Arryanto Sagala; well as Directorate General of New Energy, Renewable, Energy Conservation and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Luluk Sumiarso MSc Ir.

Learning to live green way is the key to helping protect the environment and use products that are not recycled or will not be green. When any of the products you use and how you can do your part to conserve energy, every little thing that can make a difference. Learn the most efficient use of energy and resources we use every day can help reduce costs and supplies that are used every day. One of the easiest ways to help save the environment is to start using products that are recyclable and made from recycled materials. You can also learn simple tricks to use at home to reduce the amount of energy it consumes.

When you want to start doing more to protect the environment, can go online and find the resources you need to get information and data on the products you use and buy that will help reduce the amount of waste products that are organic to help save the environment and preserve the ecosystem so that it will care.

Keeping track of your home power utilization can’t be simpler than this. A state-of-the-art energy checking gadget specifies your day-to-day utilization of electricity in actual time, and anticipates your regular monthly electric bill. This device will certainly help people to lower their usage of electricity, and conserve about ten to twenty per cent on their own bills.

Seal off air leakages at home.  Seek out any gaps, cracks, and holes between the house plus unheated basement or attic.

Be knowledgeable as regards to the temperature you arrange in your home. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), you’ll conserve up to three per cent on your energy invoices just by making sure you turn down the thermostat to one degree.

Cut down on your driving by discovering more amusing things you can do near home. Make use of public transport such as buses or trains when you can.  You can walk, or take your bike with you. Work from home if your manager will allow it.

Finally, it is said that electrical appliances like refrigerators, televisions, and home cinema systems take extra power and heat when you are not using them. Therefore, always make sure that you unplug any electrical device such as your television when not in use.  

At present, we are subjected to power cuts because of a shortage of electricity. Energy conservation has become mandatory for environmental reasons. If we had each practiced the concept of not wasting, we would definitely have been better off. Living a life of luxury and excesses, and subsequent wastage of all resources, has spoilt both us and our “beautiful” earth.

“Don’t waste water.” “Close the tap when brushing your teeth.” We were forced to practice even water conservation. I don’t know exact statistics, but did you know that we use a lot of water per minute when showering? Water harvesting helps in water conservation. Forest conservation is also on the agenda. We cut so many trees per year in order to make paper. Recycling paper is one solution; the other is to avoid taking unnecessary printouts on paper when you can read something online.

The whole idea of switching off the lights at home, is pretty much superficial, especially if implemented in a country like India.

To have some Sidhuism, I’d say-

“Oye Guru! The idea is like confronting the Dragon of Energy Crisis with a country-made pistol! Doesn’t affect the dragon, even if you keep shooting at it every year!”

Actually, we are addressing the issue, in a fancy manner.

Sure, the event does have some community feeling to it, but check out the following-

• According to the tenth level NCERT book, I remember, the per capita electricity consumption in the US is around 12,000 kWh! Compared to India’s 400 kWh peanut!
• The household consumption in India, is pretty low, as compared to the various malls, industries and above all, the next point-
• Almost 40% of the electricity produced at any dam or thermal power station, gets lost during the transmission! Wire resistance isn’t that much a problem, as are faulty infrastructure, theft and other loop holes.
• Shouldn’t we celebrate this hour, in the summer months? Then, we may save much more energy by switching off the ACs etc.
• At my home, today I saved just around 200 watts of electricity by switching off everything for a half hour. That’s a monetary saving of 70 paise.
• Did my energy saving count?
• Shouldn’t the energy saving be a habit and not just a thing to be care for, for an hour in a year???

To my mind, India has enough potential to even be a great exporter of electricity!!!

Just that, we, the government and its “sheep” citizens, don’t have the will power enough to do that…

As for me, I continue to celebrate my own Earth time daily, in a special, unique, amazing, enthralling and “electrifying way”!!!

In your living room, do you still use old incandescent bulbs? Well, you should replace them as they consume much energy than fluorescent lamps. When everybody in the house is already asleep, do you leave the radio or TV open until the next morning? Do you check your kids bedroom if she has already turned off the lights? These things could sometimes be overlooked after a busy day, but these do surely count in your electric bills.  

On regular days, lowering the use of your air conditioner or your heater would also help save electricity. Plus, the lesser you use your air conditioner, the lesser you contribute to the destruction of the environment particularly the ozone layer. Air conditioners contain Freon and CFC’s that have created a hole in the ozone layer. If you are living in a temperate region and you can’t help but sweat and feel clammy all the time, choose air conditioners powered by LPG’s or maybe you can open the windows instead and let the cool, fresh air come in.

Make it a daily habit to save electricity and you’ll see great benefits coming at your doorstep. In the long run, you are also saving Mother Earth, too.

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Fixed costs like electricity, water and fuel oil are budget unfriendly for fiscally strapped towns and cities. Reducing energy usage is part of the fiscal management for municipalities. Many towns have committed to reducing   energy consumption by 20% in coming years. Sadly too few have signed up for the challenge.

These cities and towns can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing energy consumption in public buildings, fire stations, schools, and wastewater treatment facilities if they only chose to make a concerted effort.

What is the Community Energy Challenge?

The Community Energy Challenge is chance for municipalities to identify any cost-effective measures that increase resource efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution, waste and conserving water and money.

The Price of Water

Long ago it was written that water will be the earth’s most valuable resource, and it is coming true. One small town in MA has had it water company propose a 61% increase in water for the next year. The town of Northbridge has challenged the company if this is legal and ethical.

Examples of some of the New England Communities that have made the commitment:

Milford, Lawrence, Lowell, Malden, Mansfield, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Needham, Waltham, Warwick, Westwood, Woburn

Yet far too few communities are taking the challenge. The reasons are varied, ignorance, no dedicated resources with the knowledge, ineffective programs, Green Committees with no authority or budget, little knowledge about green energy planners in the community.

New England has higher cost Electricity production resulting in higher cost to customers:

New England gets its electricity from a variety of sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas and oil. Given the predominance of natural gas as a fuel, New England’s electricity supply is one of the nations cleanest. However, this dependence has resulted in higher-than-average electricity prices. And there are still far too many dirty coal electric suppliers who will be taxed under Obama’s cap and trade program, driving the cost even higher to suppliers.

What should communities do?

Obviously use energy more efficiently, there are a number of resources including your local electric light company and energy audits that can help you do that.

In Massachusetts, electricity consumers have alternatives about where their power comes from.  Consumers can choose a source that guarantees that their electricity comes from only renewable resources such as wind and solar, although that comes as a cost to the consumer given these recessionary times may be a tough sell.

The best advice for communities is to hire an energy consultant or planner to accomplish their goals.

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Its changing faster and continuously, even as we speak because of all the pollution we have collectively produced. The damage we have caused is done, but to abate the chances and potentialities of the situation becoming graver, we must start NOW!

Here are some great tips each and every one of us can do to help towards a healthier planet.

Drive Cleaner

If possible, downgrade to a smaller car which has better EPA ratings (more mpg). Better than that, try going for either a NGV (Natural gas vehicle) like the Honda Civic GX NGV or a hybrid vehicle. These cars emit a lot less pollutants for the same miles you drive. If this is not possible, then at least try to squeeze out the maximum mileage from your vehicle. Tips for this can be found easily on the web, but for starters, you can switch off the AC, turn your car off if you have to wait more than 6 seconds and drive at slower speeds.

Drive Less

When going to your neighbor’s house whose door is 20 feet away from yours, you don’t need to tug your 2 ton SUV along with you. Whenever going to places nearby or when you are able to walk or bike instead of drive, avail the opportunity and help the environment in the meantime.

Use Less Electricity

Unless your home is powered by a renewable energy source, the electricity you use is derived from fossil-fuel based power stations. The more electricity you consume, the more smoke that power station is releasing. Reduce your home energy consumption.

Switch to Solar

If possible, install solar panels on your home. It is expensive and will typically cost upwards of $5,000 for an ordinary sized home, but is certainly worth it given that you’re never going to pay a penny for the electricity you use (besides nominal maintenance costs) and that you’ll be doing the environment an immense favor.

Water Conservation

This is indirectly linked to global warming, but it is always best to save water since it is a very limited resource. The easiest way to cut down on water usage is by switching off the tap while you brush your teeth. You will probably be saving in excess of 1,000 gallons per year. (1 gallon per minute x 2 minutes x twice daily x 365 days.)

3 Rs

Reduce, recycle and reuse. Thats the motto you ought to have. Reduce the fuel you use and energy you consume, recycle whatever can be, be it paper, glass, plastic or metal and find ways to reuse products so that you buy less and throw less out.

All the aforementioned ideas are fantastic ways to help stabilize the environment and avert the potentiality of further severe global warming effects. And if you’re really not into the environment, at least you’ll be saving a few thousand dollars a year!

This may sound as if it is common sense but believe most people are not using common sense anymore! In our houses, for example, let’s reduce our electricity consumption. We may think that we can’t live without our air conditioners. I will leave you with that thought. But maybe it’s time to lower it down at least one degree and you may not feel the difference of temperature. You can also open your windows if you are living in a not-so-dusty environment. If the cold seasons attacked your house, you can lessen the use of your heater if you close the windows tight and if you use thick curtains and carpets.

In this way, less heat will escape to the environment. You can also turn off your television, computers, radio if nobody’s using it. You may also boil the amount of water needed for that particular coffee break, less water means less time in boiling thus electricity needed. While cooking, make sure that you will not overcook it. Check your stove if it also efficiently use the source of energy.

These are simple things but it will surely reduce our carbon footprint in the environment. And it is not only the environment that is benefited; our pockets would also reap the goodness of conserving energy at home.