Preserving Our Resources: Energy and Water Conservation

Is it important to conserve water and energy?

Conserving water and energy is crucially important. Saving water and energy is very important for the environment, managing resources, saving money, being ready for climate changes, and for being ethical. When we use less water and energy, we can protect nature, keep habitats safe, and reduce pollution. It also means that people in the future will still have enough. Saving water and energy helps us save money at home, in businesses, and for governments. It also helps communities deal better with climate change. Overall, it's our duty to use resources well and protect the environment for the future.

Conserving water and energy is critical for our future, as it helps preserve natural resources, mitigates climate change, promotes sustainable development, and offers economic benefits.

Environmental Degradation

One of the main issues excessive use of water and energy could lead to is environmental degradation. Overuse of energy can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Similarly, excessive water consumption can deplete freshwater sources, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt natural water cycles.

A great example we can see this is in the mid-20th century. The Soviet Union diverted the two main rivers that fed the Aral Sea, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, to irrigate cotton fields in the desert. This massive irrigation project was undertaken without proper consideration of the environmental consequences.

Aral Sea 1974-2015

We can see from the map above, how greatly the Aral Sea shrunk. Countries around this sea did not effectively manage the water resources, leading to inefficient use and wastage of water.

Image taken by P. Christopher Staecker

Also, canals used for irrigation often leaked or allowed water to evaporate, causing even more water loss. The remaining water became saltier because of the reduced flow, which made it evaporate faster, shrinking the sea even more. Chemicals and pesticides from the farms were also washed into the rivers and eventually into the sea, harming its water quality and wildlife. These factors together created a harmful cycle of environmental damage that caused the Aral Sea to dramatically shrink. The example of the Aral Sea serves as a stark reminder of why we should conserve water. Excessive use and mismanagement of water resources led to the catastrophic shrinking of the sea, resulting in severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. By conserving water, we can help prevent similar disasters and ensure the sustainability of water sources for future generations.


Importance of Conserving Energy

Conserving energy is really important for a couple of reasons. First, it helps to fight climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the air. This is crucial for protecting our planet and slowing down global warming. Second, saving energy can save money for people, businesses, and governments. Using energy-efficient methods and tools can lower bills and other costs, leaving more money for other things. Also, cutting down on energy use can make us less reliant on imported fuels, which can improve our energy security. Overall, conserving energy is a smart move that helps both the environment and our wallets.

Based on a data from U.S. Energy Information Administration (2011)

Based on this small graph, the energy world consumption is expected to constantly increase by 2035.

Major Cities vs. Energy Consumption

This map shows the major cities or more populated states consume the most energy.

Conserving energy also helps to preserve natural resources for the future. Many of the fuels we use, like oil and gas, are not unlimited. By using less energy, we can slow down how quickly we use up these resources. This means that there will still be energy available for future generations. Additionally, using less energy can reduce the need to build new power plants or extract more fossil fuels. This can help protect natural habitats and ecosystems that are often disrupted by these activities. In this way, conserving energy is not just about saving money or reducing emissions, it's also about being mindful of the world we pass on to those who come after us.

Conserving energy also preserves finite natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas, ensuring they will be available for future generations. Moreover, energy efficiency can lead to economic benefits, such as lower energy bills and reduced operating costs for businesses and governments. This can free up resources for other investments, stimulate economic growth, and create new job opportunities in the energy sector.


Strategies to conserve energy and water

  1. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use: This simple habit can significantly reduce energy consumption.
  2. Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing appliances, as they are designed to use less energy. Energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity or gas than standard appliances, leading to lower energy bills. Over time, the savings can be substantial and can offset the potentially higher upfront cost of purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
  3. Fix leaks: Check for and repair leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes to prevent water waste. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, which is equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. The study also revealed that 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
  4. Unplugging electronics when not on use: A study done by the Natural Resources Defense Council showed  that standby power consumption accounts for about 23% of residential electricity use in the United States.
  5. Install low-flow fixtures: Replace old faucets and showerheads with low-flow models to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure. Low-flow fixtures reduce the amount of water used for daily activities like showering, washing hands, and flushing toilets. This helps conserve water, especially in regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions.
  6. Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
  7. Use cold water for laundry: Washing clothes in cold water can save energy and help clothes last longer. Heating water accounts for a significant portion of the energy used by washing machines. Using cold water eliminates the need to heat the water, reducing energy consumption.
  8. Air dry dishes: Instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle, air dry dishes to save energy. Dishwashers often use heating elements to dry dishes during the drying cycle. By air drying, you avoid using these heating elements, which can consume a considerable amount of energy.
  9. Plant drought-resistant plants: If you have a garden, consider planting drought-resistant plants that require less water.
  10. Collect rainwater: Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants or washing your car, reducing the need for tap water. Rainwater harvesting reduces the demand for treated water from municipal supplies or groundwater sources, which can be particularly important in areas facing water scarcity or drought conditions. Also harvested rainwater for activities such as watering plants, washing cars, or flushing toilets can lower your water bills, as you are using water that would otherwise have been purchased from a utility.


Conclusion

In conclusion, after finishing this internship, it completely changed my perspective on energy and water. Before the internship, I never really focused on how much water and electricity I used. Many of the labs we did helped me realize that I waste a lot of unnecessary resources. With this internship, I was also able to learn on how many of the activities we do can affect and impact our world, positively and negatively. I really liked how in the meetings, I was able to learn about many new things I've never heard of. Overall, I'm very glad I was able to participate in this internship, I now see conserving energy and water is a responsibility we all share to protect our environment and secure a better future for generations to come.

Image taken by P. Christopher Staecker

Based on a data from U.S. Energy Information Administration (2011)