Small Steps of Fuel Conservation can make a Big Change
- May 17, 2019
- 3 min read
By: Janavi Gupta
Introduction
ENERGY COMES IN MANY WAYS,
BUT WE ABUSE INSTEAD OF PRAISE,
FOSSIL FUELS WILL NOT LAST FOREVER,
LET’S USE SOLAR, WIND, WATER AND BE CLEVER,
LET’S USE RENEWABLE AND CLEAN FUEL,
SO THAT WE CAN SAVE MOTHER EARTH, OUR JEWEL.
With the world population steadily on the rise, the amount of fuel consumed by us is also steadily increasing with the result that it may not be available for use by the future generation. Hence, the need for the hour is not only to spread awareness on why fuel conservation is important but also to show people how it can be done simply yet effectively to help the environment in the long run. Fuel conservation is about consuming less fuel than what we currently use. This is important so that our future generations can enjoy the same benefits that we enjoy today.
Pollution can only be reduced if we all work together towards making a change.
Why is fuel conservation so important?
Fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum are fossil fuels that are made from the dead remains of plants and animals. They take hundreds of thousands of years to form due to the compression of bones under the heat and pressure of the earth. There is a limited reserve of fossil fuels on Earth. By conserving fuel, we can ensure that these are available for a long time that will benefit the future generations. Fossil fuels also create environmental pollution due to excess carbon dioxide that is produced when such fuels are burned. Air pollution leads to various health issues and global warming leads to melting of glaciers and for water levels to rise. By reducing our consumption, we can slow down the effects of pollution and create a sustainable balance with nature. This, in turn, would be highly beneficial to our future generations.
How are some ways in which this can be done?
We must consciously make a dedicated effort to conserve fuel. It is rightly said that “tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean”. The same can be applied in this case where small steps of fuel conservation can have a great impact. Studies indicate that demand for fossil fuel is steadily on the rise with the growth of the economy and population. [1] The U.S uses 1 billion tonnes of fuel a year and China uses 575 million tonnes. India is likely to hit 200 million tonnes this year. There are many small, yet effective ways, to conserve fuel. One should carpool or use public transport while heading to school or work. This not only reduces consumption of fuel but also reduces traffic. Wherever possible, one should walk or use cycles to commute, particularly for short distances. This also has health benefits. Travelling at optimal speeds reduces fuel consumption. It is also very important to combine errands and avoid making multiple trips. One should park at a central spot and walk around to complete one’s errands. Smaller cars consume less fuel as they are lighter. Hence it is important that one purchases a car that is appropriate for them and their family. With technological advancements, it is now possible to have vehicles that run on clean energy like battery operated or CNG. As the price of such cars comes down, one should choose to purchase such vehicles. Another vital step is to conserve electricity. A large proportion of the electricity generated comes from thermal power which is derived from heating of coal. By saving electricity, one can conserve fuel. Switch off electrical appliances and lights when not required. Use heavy users of electricity like ACs and geysers sparingly. Utilize energy efficient appliances. More and more electricity should also be produced from renewable sources of energy such as wind, water and sun. #saynotofossilfuels #cleanerfuels
It has become very important to use non- conventional sources of energy to effectively save the earth.
“We belong to the earth, the earth does not belong to us” The need of the hour is to conserve our fossil fuels before they are consumed as all the progression that we have made all these years will soon turn into regression as rightly stated by [2] Albert Einstein “I do not know what the third world war will be fought with, but the fourth world war will definitely be fought with sticks and stones.” Although, in a manner of saying, this quote is in context to war but the meaning is the same- that soon our progression will turn to regression lest we mend our ways immediately. #reduceclimatechange #savetheworld #nopollution
Sources:
1) Total Geography- 9th grade ICSE textbook
2) https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/albert_einstein_122873
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