Fossil fuels damage land, pollute air and water, and threaten public health. Though these consequences are not always factored into the monetary value of fossil fuels, we pay the price. Here are five ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
UseLED light bulbs
By using LED light bulbs decreases energy consumption and lasts a long time. The US Department of Energy says that LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last for years. Besides that, turn off the lights when you leave a room for more than 15 minutes. The power saved reduces the demand on electric utilities, which in turn require less output from power plants that burn fossil fuels.
Turn off your electrical device when you’re not using
Turn off your television, computer, or any other electrical device when you’re not using it; this is a good way to conserve energy and help these investments last longer, so you don’t have to buy new ones as soon.
Reuse products
Reuse products that require fossil fuel resources to produce. By avoiding paper or plastic shopping bags, you can reduce the demand on the production process, which is fossil-fuel intensive. Instead, use fabric bags for groceries.
Recycle
By recycling waste, you send less of it to landfills. Many cities have recycling programs and require residents to put plastics, paper, and aluminum into separate bins. You can also donate clothing, lights, and appliances you don’t plan to use anymore instead of throwing them out, so they continue to serve a purpose.
Take public transportation
Fossil fuels are a major part of the oil-refining process, which is how gasoline is made. Public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road and therefore the number of cars releasing emissions. You could also carpool, ride a bicycle, or walk.
