Shine Bright Like Electricity

Electricity has been a natural phenomenon since the beginning of time. An ordinary flow of electrons in the expanse between the skies and land is seen during thunderstorms, as a bright light zaps across the sky. In lightning, the attraction between positive and negative charges in clouds results in a build-up of protons on land and especially on trees, mountains and people. As the charges connect from
the sky down, lightning begins to strike.
By figuring out how this natural occurrence functions through more research, new inventions were created, such as fluorescent light bulbs. The very discovery once thought of as brilliant is now lackluster today. Many utility companies keep their customers shackled to imported coal, instead of investing in clean energy. For example, in 2008, the Southern Company sent more than $2.6 billion out of Georgia to pay for coal imported from places like Wyoming and South America. In fact, most of the U.S.’s imported coal comes from Wyoming, creating a huge carbon footprint in our environment.
However, there are ways to maintain a clean environment while saving electricity and money. Some of these include changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs because although more expensive, these light bulbs last about 10 times longer and run on less power than normal ones. Another strategy to cut electricity costs by 15 percent raising the temperature of the room a few degrees while keeping the air conditioner on. Also, washing clothes at night in cold water uses half as much energy as hot water does. Scraping the food off dishes and then putting them in the washer can help save over 20 gallons of heated water a day. Utilizing a power strip to conserve energy when appliances are not in use is also helpful.
All in all, it is estimated by scientists that if strong investments in energy efficiency are promoted, U.S. energy productivity could be doubled by 2030. Conservation could help extenuate the life and well being of earth for future generations.

By Features Editor Cynthia Luong