I generally don’t like to “wave” politically speaking, instead I strive to get and express a broader view that includes seemingly opposing attitudes and opinions. Column — From people with dramatically different points of view, I’m sure each thinks like me, but usually not.
With regard to “environmental” concerns and expressing the detrimental effects of toxic chemicals, harmful radiation, crude extraction and production methods, and materialistic attitudes on the planet and its people, plants and animals, I am not very restrained.
Some people groaned at the high gas prices this spring and early summer, but I said it was a necessary step in an oil break. In order to move on to better ways of doing things, it has to happen. Of course, that raises questions like: What do you call “better”? approach, that is, how it supports our well-being on all levels.
When I boldly said to that effect in response to a social media post complaining about the cost of gas and the government’s decision to limit oil production, I jumped right in and turned to EV technology and its related issues. With a challenged battery and charging station.
The problem is that I never mentioned or hinted at EV technology. I look beyond — the sun, wind (actually looking back), hydrogen, the nucleus, and eventually dark energy and dark matter, which make up 96% of the universe! , independence and sustainability.
Electric vehicles are an interim but now necessary step along the timeline of technologies such as steam engines, telegraphs, coal furnaces and landline telephones. Each had a day, and that day lasted for decades or even hundreds of years.
Given that everything is happening more quickly now, expect the “EV period” to be even shorter. We recommend that you do not consider or plan for it as a long-term solution.
The problem is that it carries the same cargo of “non-renewable resources” as oil, and is scouring the planet for lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which exist in limited amounts in places like Chile, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, China, and the Democratic Party. that must be dug. Republic of the Congo. Therefore, it is not sustainable and does not offer energy independence.
Nonetheless, the more people who switch from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, the more successful they are in curbing carbon emissions and keeping global temperatures from rising (97% of scientists in the field agree). cause meteorological phenomena. , rising seas, water scarcity, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, animal and plant extinction, heat, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases are increasing deaths.
So for the time being it’s a step in the right direction.
In the meantime, if you are unwilling or in the financial position to buy an electric vehicle, here are some things you can do at home to be part of the solution and lessen the strain on your system. there is
1. If possible, walk or ride a bike instead of driving to a store, post office, etc.
2. Try to reduce the amount of trash you throw away. Food is the largest category of landfill and air pollutant. By simply composting food scraps at home, you can reduce food waste by over 60%.
3. Use less water for things like brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and showering. One minute less can save a gallon of water.When
4. Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room, or limit the number of lights you turn on when you’re in the room.
These things increase your sense of purpose and power.
To quote the president of MIT, “Each of us has room and reason to be part of the solution. ”
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