* Introduction *
People use electricity everyday all around the world. In fact, Australia alone generates approximately 191 313GW per hour (see Appendix 3). But what is behind all the power points, wires and cords that have now become the basis in our society, how does it work and how much does it cost? *Methods * There are many ways in which to get electricity. Some are good for the environment, and some are bad for the environment, but most people use the unclean ways and damage the atmosphere severely (see contribution to pollution). i). Nonrenewable methods... The main sources for electricity in Australia and most other countries come from unrenewable fossil fuels such as:
- Coal
- Oil or petroleum, and
- Natural gas and propane
- Hydro energy (water energy)
- Wind energy
- Biomass energy
- Geothermal energy and
- Solar energy.
Other side effects include acid rain from the carbon dioxide releasing sulphur into the atmosphere and joining onto rain droplets and creating sulphuric acid.
Also, the extremely hot temperatures will cause many species to die out, and if it gets too hot, maybe even humans will die. This could potentially wipe out all existence as we know it, an apocalypse.
If we use green power and save electricity (see Recommendations), then we can save the world from its fate.
*Electrical devices in my home *
Convection Oven 1500W
Dishwasher 1500W
Oven 4000W
Toaster 1100W
Phone 16W
Kettle 2200W
Iron 1200W Fridge
Freezer 508kW
Stovetop 1200W
Fluorescent Light 15W
Ghetto Blaster 22W
* Cost of electricity *
The price of electricity changes everyday at a very fast pace (see Appendix 4), so it is hard to say what the exact price of electricity is. On the 29th of August, electricity cost an average of $35.88/MWh off peak hours, and cost $38.62/MWh on peak hours (7am - 10pm).
* Conclusion and recommendations *
We can’t make the problem of global warming go away forever because of all the damage we have already done, but we can make a difference (see appendix 9). There are alternatives to using most electrical appliances in the home. For example, I have a hair straightener that I use everyday. Every year, it cost around $12 of electricity a year because it is 42watts and my mum and I use it for about 2 hours per day (see appendix 7). If we don’t use it, we both look really ugly (see appendix 6), but if we just tie our hair up and wear lots of make up instead (see appendix 8), then we can be stylish and save approximately 0.6% of the $2052 annual bill at the same time. We could also save by preventing the use of unnecessary light, turning off the television when it isn’t being used, get insulation so that we stop using the heater so much and sing to ourselves instead of listening to the stereo.
My household’s bill isn’t very high because only two people live in there and we don’t own a clothes-dryer, games console or an air conditioner. More people should be like my family because although sometimes we are horribly bored or have sopping wet clothes, we are well on the way to making the world a better place for future generations.
One alternative is ...
"Yelling releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Anger will be demonstrated via sign language and harsh glaring"
(Ways Jack Bauer Will Fight Global Warming, http://www.kxmb.com/News/Nation/150735.asp)
*Appendix 2*
me with un-straight hair = yuk
*Appendix 3*
me with straight hair = yum, but not good for the environment *tear**Appendix 4*
if i just tie my hair up and wear lots of make-up, i am an environmental babe!
