[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC1lrajJExo&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Before leaving that (non-CFL) light on after you leave the room, you might want to take a look at the Story of Coal.
In the routine of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget about the ramifications of our actions. When stopping by the supermarket on your way home from work to pick up some items for dinner, it’s easy to go for processed, overly packaged, imported items and stick them in a non-biodegradable plastic bag. As you peruse the shelves of that trendy (but not such great quality) clothing store in search of some new t-shirts, it’s easy to forget about the story of stuff. And when sitting at home with all the (non-energy efficient) lights on, the TV blasting, and every single appliance plugged in (whether you’re using it or not), it’s easy to forget about the story of coal.
But the story of coal is very real, and it ain’t no bedtime story either.
Burning coal is the most globally pervasive method for producing electricity, and despite the increase in renewable forms of energy (such as wind and solar power) it still accounts for at least half of the electricity in most countries. Burning coal is a major polluter, and leads to lots of nasty carbon emissions.
Which leads, of course, to global warming.
If you’re a little fuzzy about the connection between leaving your lights on (or wasting energy in general) and pollution, check out the clip above, the Story of Coal.
Read more about coal::
Shut Down the New Coal-Fired Power Plants, Says Israel’s New Environment Minister
VIDEO: The Battle Against Coal Power Stations Heats Up in Israel
Coal-Clad Celebrities Take Part in Greenpeace Israel Exhibition
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
