Energy costs are now surging, thanks to the increasing demands of India and China, the tension between Iran and the United States, the turmoil happening in Nigeria, and the low reserves of the US, among many others.When these costs are on the rise, our purchasing power diminishes. The amount of commodity that we can buy with every unit of currency lessens--we get less for what we work for.
Thus, there is the need to spend wisely. There is the need to be more cautious and creative in consumption, especially energy. I meant 'creative' in a sense that we still consume enough to fulfill our basic needs and reduce the use on the not-so-necessary needs.
We do not have to do magic in order to achieve this. We can always start with the stuff that's always been said. Put out the lights and appliances when not in use; as much a possible use public transportation--we save energy and reduce carbon emission at the same time; and the like. Also, we should also use more efficient appliances. Use memory cards that use less energy, for instance. Reduce phone calls and computer time as much as you can. If you are well-off, use cars that have greater mileage (the Japanese models are widely known to be more efficient, mileage-wise, than their American or European counterparts).
What I have said here is nothing new. Time and again, we have been told about this measures to conserve energy. But do we listen? Do we really have to wait for the day when crude reaches $200 a barrel or, worse, a time when there's no crude at any price? Oil is a non-renewable source of energy, you know.
All UPSable
