Self Sufficient Energy Really Matters

Last summer was full of reminders about the real price of energy in our world. Not just the cost as measured in dollar amounts, but the human and environmental costs as well. The need to shift to energy sources that are not derived from traditional carbon fuels like oil and coal continues to grow more urgent. This need for new energy sources exists even without concern about the year 2012.

While we do not generally accept that any of the theories that predict calamity on Dec 21 2012 are anything to worry about, that does not change the fact that some people are genuinely afraid of what the future holds. In a world ravaged by the types of cataclysmic events being predicted, it is safe to assume that the electrical grid and gas stations we have all come to rely on to power our homes and vehicles will simply not exist. The truth is that even without these dire events, the infrastructure our society depends on for delivering power is still crumbling.

Development of alternative energy sources, ranging from bio-fuels to wind farms, and solar power plants have all lagged. The main opposition to these energy sources is not in fact a logistical one. These technologies have been viable for well over two decades, but widespread adoption has still not become a major factor. Some argue that implementing these technologies on a large scale would be cost prohibitive, but that fails to take into account the economics of scale. If we were working to manufacture large numbers of wind turbines or solar cells, the costs for the components of these machines would begin to fall as well.

The problem is that for many people it is easier, or more profitable, to maintain the status quo. I am personally inclined to believe this stems from the myopic vision we as a species have because of our life spans. Considering the consequences of any given choice a few days in advance can be problematic, let alone taking a long view towards possible consequences that are decades, or centuries down the road. Why worry about whether “peak oil” has actually been met or not when right now you can easily fill your car at the local gas station? I do not even want to get into how the “profit motive” is almost certainly blinding the Tony Hayward’s of the world from worrying about the long term impact of the decisions they make as the heads of huge energy corporations like BP.

On the plus side, it is easier now than ever for people to start working towards their own energy independence. There are do it yourself kits available on how to build your own solar cells, or windmills. There are products that consumers can purchase or use that allow them to have more control over the amount of energy they are using. If you want to make sure your family is secure in the future, for generations, the time to start energy conserving habits and finding stable, renewable energy sources is now.