Energy

energija_en.gifProduction, transportation and use of energy to a large extent affect the environment and ecosystem. Unfortunately, the impact on the environment is almost always negative from the direct environmental disasters such as: the leakage of oil, acid rain and radioactive radiation; to the indirect consequences such as global warming. Since the energy demand of mankind will grow in the coming years, measures are necessary that would reduce the impact of energy exploitation on the environment to the lowest possible rate.

The most dangerous sources of energy now days are fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural gas, and potential danger is the radioactive fuel from nuclear power stations (highly concentrated radioactive waste), which had already been in use. Fossil fuels are dangerous because during their combustion large amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted, and radioactive waste is dangerous because it affects the structure of organisms on a basic level.

A large percentage of the world's energy still comes from environmentally unacceptable energy sources, especially fossil fuels which are still dominant. Combustion of carbon, being the basis of fossil fuel, develops carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a green-house gas. Carbon dioxide, as it is known, causes global warming. Even more dangerous is gas that is freed during the incomplete combustion of fuel (CO). Carbon monoxide is extremely poisonous gas without color, taste or smell, and the concentration of only 0.6% causes death in people after 15 minutes of inhaling.

Currently there is no fossil fuel that is completely purified, and thus the combustion develops some more harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and particles. Later, these gases in contact with water steam clouds form drops that fall to the ground - that of the acidic rain being extremely harmful to the entire ecosystem. Combustion of energy sources creates small particles of minerals that finally make the ashes. One of the rising particles floating in the atmosphere, and the turmoil of smoke particles are also very dangerous for health.

Modern life style means and greater use of energy for the purpose of achieving greater comfort. Currently, the majority of energy needs of mankind is catered by the use of very harmful fossil fuels, and in the future it will be replaced by the fuel clean energy sources in the form of renewable energy sources or nuclear energy.

Tips for saving energy

  1. Use energy saving light bulbs. They are more expensive than ordinary bulbs, but still save money by using only about a quarter of electricity to provide the same amount of light, and last four times longer than ordinary light bulbs!
  2. Avoid mood "stand-by" and put your lights out. Shut the television, video, stereo and computer when not in use. These devices can spend between 10 and 60% of electricity when they are on a "stand by"! Switch the lights out when you do not need them and turn off the computer monitor when you're on the break.
  3. Use devices that save energy. If you are buying a washing machine, fridge, disher or stove, buy a model that saves energy. Such devices may be more expensive but they pay out through smaller electricity bills. The same is true for office equipment such as computers, copy machines, printers.
  4. Embed a good thermal insulation in your home. This is one of the most effective ways to save energy and money. 50% of heat can escape through walls, roofs and floors with poor insulation.
  5. Wash economically. Use washing machine and disher only when they are completely filled. Use washing powder appropriate for washing at low temperatures and economic programs. Reduce use of hot water by taking shower instead of bathing.
  6. Put the lid on! You can save up to 30% of energy by putting the lid on the pot while cooking.
  7. Do not hold the refrigerator door open longer than necessary, leave the food you are about to put in the fridge or freezer to become totally cool. Defreeze the food naturally and keep it on the appropriate temperature. If feasible, avoid placing the stove and fridge / freezer next to one another.
  8. Buy and use battery chargers and rechargeable batteries.