Many Americans are so accustomed to lifestyles depending on their relatively high energy consumption that they do not weigh (or choose not to think about) the risks of harvesting resources. We must not mistake luxury for necessity, for doing so could blind us to our creative potential in overcoming challenges in the energy arena. Some assumptions we make that we all ought to revisit and reconsider: I have to drive my car to work. I have to comfort my house at a precise temperature. I have to eat the food I want regardless of how far it traveled to the store. I have to flush my shit with drinking water. According the the US Department of Energy, of all energy consumed by US individuals and companies, 93% comes from non-renewable sources: 37% from petroleum; 24% from natural gas; 23% from coal; 8% from nuclear electric. Only 7% comes from renewable sources like hydroelectric, wind, solar, and bio-fuels. Using coal pollutes our air, endangers miners, causes acid rain, petrol is expensive. A twinge in my elbow tells me natural gas and nuclear electric are likely to be the two leading sources of energy in the coming decades despite U.S. gas and nuclear power companies--Halliburton and Entergy--leaking seriously poisonous chemicals into natural aquifers. Degree of contamination ranges from "not a threat to public health" to flammable water from the spigot!
Josh Fox, a resident of Pennsylvania, made a documentary about gas companies drilling for natural gas. One of the major controversies surrounding this issue is their method of building the gas well: hydraulic fracturing. He takes a tour across the country to speak to citizens whose drinking water was contaminated by the drilling and his findings are striking.
If you are at all interested in energy solutions, especially if you live in PA, WV, OH, NY, I highly recommend you watch this documentary.
1 comment:
maybe you can help us do a survey of our home and what to change when you come! looking forward to being with you
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