Quantifying Energy Use and the Significance of Cumulative Small Changes
Working with smart strip technology over the years, one thing that keeps coming up in conversation is “how much electricity will this really save?” The same goes for discussions regarding changing to CFL lightbulbs, using reusable bags, and in fact any of the small changes which we can make in our personal lives to be a little greener.
I’ve come across 2 different sites today which help drive the point home for me that lots of individual actions or behaviors really add up.
First see this short video on YouTube which shows the amount of Global Air Traffic in a 24 hour period. It is amazing to see!
Secondly, to help understand how much energy our chosen lifestyles consume and to help understand the math behind some of these behaviors, David MacKay, a professor of physics at the University of Cambridge recently published a very enlightening book called, “Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air.” Also see: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/05/13/mackay.energy/index.html. This book offers a very accessible, must-read analysis, for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these issues.
About the Author: Jonathan founded Beamingsun.com in 2001 working as a freelance web developer. Since graduating in 1995 from Boston University he has held many real jobs with benefits and all. Currently he contracts for the the Department of Transportation as a web developer and works with select freelance clients by referral. In just about all his spare time (often 'till the wee hours of the morn'), he passionately manages the vision of Beamingsun.com and partners.
