Energy Revolution


The world will not evolve past its current state of crisis by using the same thinking that created it - Albert Einstein


windfarm.jpgWe’re on the verge of a really exciting energy revolution. Renewable energy will rapidly replace coal as we increasingly realise the effects of burning fossil fuels. And we will experience ‘peak oil’ – when the demand for this limited resource truly outstrips supply, and the price of oil skyrockets.

The benefits to our health and wellbeing, and that of all life, from this revolution will be huge – if we embrace the changes now. We can improve the energy efficiency of our homes by 50% without even really trying by putting in insulation, switching to energy effecient lighting and changing to solar hot water. All the things you can do that cost nothing also have a big impact, like switching applicances off at the wall, and washing in cold water rather than hot. And of course looking at the big picture, the most important thing we do to reduce our energy usage is growing food in the backyard and supporting sustainable food production.  

At Happy Earth, to make our home more comfortable and energy smart the things that cost us nothing to do are:

  • Wash the clothes in cold water
  • Dry clothes on the clothes line
  • Sweep the wooden floors rather than have to vacuum carpet
  • Switch off appliances at the power point when not in use
  • Minimise electrical gadgets in the home – less clutter, more peace!
The one off things we’ve done that make a big difference are:

  • Switched to Greenpower
  • Installed a solar hot water system
  • Put an awning with white shade cloth in front of the western window. This keeps the heat out and still lets the light in
  • Installed a 1kW grid connected solar power system
  • Changed from incandescent to to CFL light bulbs 
  • Got a small fridge/freezer that’s energy efficient (no point having a fridge that’s efficient when it’s the size of a small deli!). Our fridge is kept in a well ventilated, cool, dark spot
  • Installed insulation in the roof and some walls (great rebates available now – check out http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates)
  • Put in a cooker that’s got a gas cook top and electric oven
  • Chose a wood fired combustion heater, that will run efficiently off our tree prunings
  • Put up heavy hemp curtains over the windows
  • Kept a ceiling fan in the lounge room for cooling in summer
  • Strategically planted deciduous trees to shade the house in summer and allow the sun in winter