SOURCES OF ENERGY

Energy is stored and is available in different forms and sources. The 24,330 times more solar
energy that is available than we need is not in a readily usable form. It needs to be concentrated.

For example, when oil (a concentrated fuel) is burned with air, the resulting gases can reach high
temperatures. Solar energy, as it is, is not concentrated and cannot reach those high temperatures.
Therefore, we use more concentrated energy sources. These sources are divided into two groups
—renewable and nonrenewable.

Renewable Energy Sources:

 Energy sources that can be replenished over and over again; they are never depleted.
Some examples include hydropower, solar, wind, tidal, geothermal energy from inside the
earth, biomass from plants, and nuclear fusion.
 These types of energy sources are usually converted into electricity or thermal (heat)
energy. 

Nonrenewable Energy Sources:

 Energy sources that we are using up and cannot produce in a short period of time. Some
examples include fossil fuels (Petroleum Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal), Tar Sands, and Nuclear
Fission.
 Another nonrenewable energy source is the element uranium, whose atoms we split
(through a process called nuclear fission) to create heat, and ultimately, electricity.

 These types of energy sources are usually converted into electricity and mechanical
energy.

 We get most of our energy from these nonrenewable energy sources.

Did You Know?

They're called fossil fuels because they were formed over millions and millions of years by the
action of heat from the Earth's core and pressure from rock and soil on the remains (or 'fossils')
of dead plants and animals.

Fossil Fuel Distribution

Fossil fuels, non-renewable energy sources formed over a million years, are not distributed
uniformly over the earth’s surface. Depending on the climate conditions millions of years ago,
certain parts of the land masses were favorable for organic matter to grow and thrive.

Over geological ages, these land masses moved, and certain regions are richer in fossil fuels than
others. Review the information on the map below and then answer the questions below the map
based on your observations.

Global Distribution of Natural Resources

The most abundant resources for various global regions are as follows:

 China is richest in coal

 Australia is richest in coal

 The Middle East is richest in petroleum

 The United States is richest in coal

 Russia is richest in natural gas

Human Use of Energy Sources

The following eight items are examples of how renewable and nonrenewable energy sources are
used.

Nuclear power plant Gas stove

Dam

Gas pump

Geothermal heat pump

Power lines

Solar panels

Windmills
 Nuclear power plant is a nonrenewable energy source using uranium as its source.
 The gas stove is an example of nonrenewable energy source that uses natural gas as
its source.

 A dam is an example of a renewable energy source that uses water as its source.

 A gas pump is an example of a nonrenewable energy source that uses petroleum as its
source.

 A geothermal heat pump is a renewable energy source that uses geothermal heat
(ground heat) as its source.

 Power lines are an example of a nonrenewable energy source that uses coal as its
source.

 Solar panels are a renewable energy source that use the sun as their source.

 Wind mills are a renewable energy source that use the wind as their source.
What is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation is one of the words you are hearing more and more. Unfortunately, a lot
of the places you will hear it will be in ads marketing products or lifestyle habits that may
have nothing to do with actual energy conservation. To learn what real energy conservation
techniques are, you have to begin to understand the theory of conservation behind them.

Understanding Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is not about making limited resources last as long as they can, that
would mean that you are doing nothing more than prolong a crisis until you finally run out of
energy resources all together. Conservation is the process of reducing demand on a limited
supply and enabling that supply to begin to rebuild itself. Many times the best way of doing
this is to replace the energy used with an alternate.

In the case of fossil fuels, the conservation also can include finding new ways to tap into the
Earth’s supply so that the commonly used oil fields are not drained completely. This allows
for those fields to replenish themselves more. This is not a process that happens overnight,
when you are talking about replenishing natural resources you are talking about alleviating
excess demand on the supply in 100’s of years’ time to allow nature to recover.
Why it is Important?

Without energy conservation, the world will deplete its natural resources. While some people
don’t see that as an issue because it will take many decades to happen and they foresee that
by the time the natural resource is gone there will be an alternative; the depletion also comes
at the cost of creating an enormous destructive waste product that then impacts the rest of
life. The goal with energy conservation techniques is reduce demand, protect and replenish
supplies, develop and use alternative energy sources, and to clean up the damage from the
prior energy processes.

Practical Methods of Energy Conservation

Below are 8 energy conservation techniques that can help you to reduce your overall carbon
footprint and save money in the long run.

1.  Install CFL Lights: Try replacing incandescent bulbs in your home with CFL bulbs. CFL
bulbs cost more upfront but last 12 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs
will not only save energy but over time you end up saving money.

2. Lower the Room Temperature: Even a slight decrease in room temperature lets say by
only a degree or two, can result in big energy savings. The more the difference between
indoor and outdoor temperature, the more energy it consumes to maintain room temperature.
A more smarter and comfortable way of doing this is to buy a programmable thermostat.

3. Fix Air Leaks: Proper insulation will fix air leaks that could be costing you. During winter
months, you could be letting out a lot of heat if you do not have a proper insulation. You can
fix those leaks yourself or call an energy expert to do it for you.

4. Use Maximum Daylight: Turn off lights during the day and use daylight as much as
possible. This will reduce the burden on the local power grid and save you good amount of
money in the long run.

5. Get Energy Audit Done: Getting energy audit done by hiring an energy audit expert for
your home is an energy conservation technique that can help you conserve energy and save
good amount of money every month. Home energy audit is nothing but a process that helps
you to identify areas in your home where it is losing energy and what steps you can take to
overcome them. Implement the tips and suggestions given by those energy experts and you
might see some drop in your monthly electricity bill.

6. Use Energy Efficient Appliances: When planning to buy some electrical appliances,

prefer to buy one with Energy Star rating. Energy efficient appliances with Energy Star rating
consume less energy and save you money. They might cost you more in the beginning but it
is much more of an investment for you.

7. Drive Less, Walk More and Carpooling: Yet another energy conservation technique is to
drive less and walk more. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also keep
you healthy as walking is a good exercise. If you go to office by car and many of your
colleagues stay nearby, try doing carpooling with them. This will not only bring down your
monthly bill you spend on fuel but will also make you socially more active.

8. Switch Off Appliances when Not in Use: Electrical appliances like coffee machine, idle
printer, desktop computer keep on using electricity even when not in use. Just switch them
off if you don’t need them immediately.

9. Plant Shady Landscaping: Shady landscaping outside your home will protect it from
intense heat during hot and sunny days and chilly winds during the winter season. This will
keep your home cool during summer season and will eventually turn to big savings when you
calculate the amount of energy saved at the end of the year.

10. Install Energy Efficient Windows: Some of the older windows installed at our homes
aren’t energy efficient. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much better than
single pane windows. Choosing correct blinds can save on your power bills.

Other Energy Conservation Techniques

The other few energy conservation techniques may surprise you. While there are practical
methods such as insulation, changing light sources, using alternate fuels and carpooling rather
than walking – understand the 6 core techniques beneath them will show you more about
what to do in life.

1. Education: Education is probably the most powerful of the energy conservation

techniques that can be used. Education is about more than teaching people the importance of
conservation, it is about showing the alternative choices that can be used in construction,
manufacturing and other processes.

2. Zero Energy Balance: Zero Energy Balance is more than techniques of conserving energy

in green construction. It is a process of re-evaluating and retrofitting manufacturing and
commercial operations so that they can harvest and store energy, as well as take and replace it
onto the grid to relieve brown out stresses.

3. Alternative Power: There are more processes that are starting to use alternative power and
fuel sources in many different areas of life. The use of alternative power is one of the most
key energy conservation techniques because almost all of the transition models require that
the existing processes be upgraded or replaced to more energy efficient models too.

4. Cap and Trade Agreements: Cap and trade agreements are used as part of the process of
regulating and conserving consumption and pollution for manufacturing industries. The
companies are “allowed” a certain emission rate which they can bid buy to extend. The
extension bid is then used for compensating projects. While this may not seem like it is
directly related to energy conservation it is very much at its core.
5. Reduced Demand: There are numerous initiatives that are working to reduce the overall
demand on the energy resources of the world. This can range everywhere from education
programs to changing the type of required insulation in new construction.

6. Research & Development: Continued funding of research and development projects in

the energy conservation field is how we discover the changes that can be made to reduce
consumption and discover renewable methods to provide us with the energy that modern life
requires. It should be one of the energy conservation techniques that are most valued as it is
what holds the promise for leading to a solution to the world’s energy crisis.
Land Pollution:

Land pollution is a serious problem that impacts humans, animals, and the earth. Without
taking measures now to reduce pollution levels, permanent changes to the land can occur.
The adverse changes to the environment due to land pollution are subtle, but the problem is
much bigger than it appears.

Even though most people have a general understanding of pollution, they may not realize the
significance of land pollution. Here is a look at land pollution, its causes, its impact, and
solutions to the problem.

What Is Land Pollution?

The basic definition of land pollution is the destruction and contamination of the land through
the direct and indirect actions of humans. The pollution results in changes to the land, such as
soil erosion. Some of the changes are irreversible, while others are not.

The effects of land pollution do not necessarily appear overnight. It is the result of long-term
destruction from human activities. For instance, the damage from chemicals from an oil spill
can take months or even years to be fully realized.
Causes of Land Pollution

There are several known causes of land pollution. Of those, there are six factors that
contribute more than others.

1. Deforestation and soil erosion

When forests are cleared for development and to meet the demand for wood supply, the soil
is loosened in the process. Without the protection of the trees, the land becomes barren over
time and starts to erode.

2. Agricultural chemicals

Part of the farming process often involves the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides to
protect crops. However, the chemicals can cause the land to become barren. The once-fertile
soil is then more susceptible to environmental elements, such as the wind.

3. Industrialization

The Industrial Revolution may have resulted in significant positive changes to the economy

and society, but it also led to significant pollution of the land. Through unsafe disposal
practices for chemicals used in manufacturing, poor regulation, and the overwhelming
number of industries and factories that are polluting the land daily, industrialization has
become one of the main contributors to the pollution problem.

4. Mining

The mining process can lead to the creation of large open spaces beneath the surface of the
earth. This can result in the land caving in, which compromises the integrity of the land.
Mining also results in harmful chemicals, such as uranium, being disturbed and released into
the environment.

5. Landfills
The garbage found at landfills is filled with toxins that eventually seep into the earth. During
rains, the toxins are washed into other areas and the pollution is spread. As the population
grows, the amount of garbage filling landfills also grows.

6. Human sewage

Untreated human waste can produce toxic gases that can seep into the ground. As with air
pollution, the soil quality is negatively impacted, and land nearby can be contaminated. In
addition to this, the probability of human illnesses occurring increases.
Effects of Land Pollution

The contamination of the land has far-reaching consequences that can be catastrophic for
water, soil, and animals. There are several possible consequences of land pollution to the
environment and animals, including these top five:

1. Ground water poisoning

Depending on the soil and whether the chemicals were improperly disposed of on the land,
the chemicals could end up in the ground water. The process is known as leaching. It can
occur on farms, industrial sites, and landfills.

2. Water nutrient enrichment

Chemicals, such as nitrogen, are used frequently on farms. Only a small portion of the
nutrients end up benefitting the crops. The remainder usually ends up in water that is
populated by fish, algae, and other lifeforms. The nutrient-heavy water saps up most of the
oxygen in the water, which leaves little for fish and other life. When this happens, the water
is unable to support most lifeforms. For more information on water polution, click here. 

3. Loss of topsoil

As chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to maintain crops, the topsoil’s composition
becomes altered. The soil becomes more susceptible to harmful fungus species and begins to
erode. It is important to conserve our soil to maximize land productivity.

4. Shifting habitat

As deforestation and soil erosion progress, animals are forced to move to find shelter and
food. For some animals, the change is too traumatic, and this has led to some dying. As a
result, some species are at a greater risk of extinction.

5. Increased risk of wildfires

The dry conditions created by pollutants in the soil help to create the perfect environment for
wildfires. The fires can grow quickly because of the dry conditions and widening area of
polluted land.

Effects of Land Pollution on Humans

The impact of land pollution is not limited just to the earth and animals. Humans can also
experience negative consequences that can influence quality of life and health.

Some of the potential consequences include birth defects, the development of breathing
disorders, skin diseases, and cancer. Most of these develop after exposure to waste from
water poisoning and soil contamination.

Land pollution has also been linked to developmental deficits in children. Chemicals that are
commonly found in contaminated soil and water, such as lead, have can impact a child’s
cognitive development even if the exposure is very low.

Solutions to Land Pollution

There are several possible solutions to land pollution, including conservation. Conservation
focuses on preserving natural resources, such as soil and plants. The efforts to conserve
resources can start with utilizing sustainable practices.

For instance, leaving some of the trees in a forest to naturally die and decay. This not only
leaves the cover needed for the soil and other vegetation, but it helps to provide the nutrients
that the soil needs to remain fertile. Other solutions include:

 Proper waste disposal that focuses on treating waste and disposing it in the safest
manner possible.
 Reusing materials to reduce the need for harvesting of resources. Products that are not
reusable can likely be recycled.

 Reducing the usage of non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic shopping bags.

The simple act of switching to a reusable cloth bag for groceries can help cut down on the
need for non-biodegradable materials.

 Organic gardening can reduce the usage of pesticides and insecticides. Non-gardeners
can help by buying organic food.

Conclusion

The negative consequences of land pollution can be greatly reduced with the cooperation of
everyone. By making a conscious effort to contribute to a safer environment, the health and
well-being of all can be protected.
Waste management is the process of treating solid wastes and offers variety of solutions for
recycling items that don’t belong to trash. It is about how garbage can be used as a valuable
resource. Waste management is something that each and every household and business owner
in the world needs. Waste management disposes of the products and substances that you have
use in a safe and efficient manner.

According to Wikipedia,

“Waste management or Waste disposal is all the activities and actions required to manage
waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes amongst other things, collection,
transport, treatment and disposal of waste together with monitoring and regulation. It also
encompasses the legal and regulatory framework that relates to waste management
encompassing guidance on recycling etc.”

You will find there are eight major groups of waste management methods, each of them
divided into numerous categories. Those groups include source reduction and reuse, animal
feeding, recycling, composting, fermentation, landfills, incineration and land application.
You can start using many techniques right at home, like reduction and reuse, which works to
reduce the amount of disposable material used.
 `

Various Methods of Waste Disposal

Although there are many methods available to dispose off waste. Let’s take a look at some of
the most commonly used methods that you should know about waste management.

Landfills

Throwing daily waste/garbage in the landfills is the most popularly used method of waste
disposal used today. This process of waste disposal focuses attention on burying the waste in
the land. Landfills are commonly found in developing countries. There is a process used that
eliminates the odors and dangers of waste before it is placed into the ground. While it is true
this is the most popular form of waste disposal, it is certainly far from the only procedure and
one that may also bring with it an assortment of space.
This method is becoming less these days although, thanks to the lack of space available and
the strong presence of methane and other landfill gases, both of which can cause numerous
contamination problems. Landfills give rise to air and water pollution which severely affects
the environment and can prove fatal to the lives of humans and animals. Many areas are
reconsidering the use of landfills.

Incineration/Combustion

Incineration or combustion is a type disposal method in which municipal solid wastes are
burned at high temperatures so as as to convert them into residue and gaseous products. The
biggest advantage of this type of method is that it can reduce the volume of solid waste to 20
to 30 percent of the original volume, decreases the space they take up and reduce the stress
on landfills.

This process is also known as thermal treatment where solid waste materials are converted
by Incinerators into heat, gas, steam and ash. Incineration is something that is very in
countries where landfill space is no longer available, which includes Japan.

Recovery and Recycling

Resource recovery is the process of taking useful discarded items for a specific next use.
These discarded items are then processed to extract or recover materials and resources or
convert them to energy in the form of useable heat, electricity or fuel.

Recycling is the process of converting waste products into new products to prevent energy
usage and consumption of fresh raw materials. Recycling is the third component of Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle waste hierarchy. The idea behind recycling is to reduce energy usage,
reduce volume of landfills, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and preserve natural resources for future use.

Plasma gasification
Plasma gasification is another form of waste management. Plasma is a primarily an
electrically charged or a highly ionized gas. Lighting is one type of plasma which produces
temperatures that exceed 12,600 °F . With this method of waste disposal, a vessel uses
characteristic plasma torches operating at +10,000 °F which is  creating a gasification zone
till 3,000 °F for the conversion of solid or liquid wastes into a syngas.

During the treatment solid waste by plasma gasification, the waste’s molecular bonds are
broken down as result of the  intense heat in the vessels and the elemental components.
Thanks to this process, destruction of waste and dangerous materials is found. This form of
waste disposal provides renewable energy and an assortment of other fantastic benefits.

Composting

Composting is a easy and natural bio-degradation process that takes organic wastes i.e.
remains of plants and garden and kitchen waste and turns into nutrient rich food for your
plants. Composting, normally used for organic farming, occurs by allowing organic materials
to sit in one place for months until microbes decompose it. Composting is one of the best
method of waste disposal as it can turn unsafe organic products into safe compost. On the
other side, it is slow process and takes lot of space.

and turns it to

Waste to Energy (Recover Energy)

Waste to energy(WtE) process involves converting of non-recyclable waste items  into

useable heat, electricity, or fuel through a variety of processes. This type of source of energy
is a renewable energy source as non-recyclable waste can be used over and over again to
create energy. It can also help to reduce carbon emissions by offsetting the need for energy
from fossil sources. Waste-to-Energy, also widely recognized by its acronym WtE is the
generation of energy in the form of heat or electricity from waste.

Avoidance/Waste Minimization

The most easier method of waste management is to reduce creation of waste materials
thereby reducing the amount of waste going to landfills. Waste reduction can be done through
recycling old materials like jar, bags, repairing broken items instead of buying new one,
avoiding use of disposable products like plastic bags, reusing second hand items, and buying
items that uses less designing.

Recycling and composting are a couple of the best methods of waste management.
Composting is so far only possible on a small scale, either by private individuals or in areas
where waste can be mixed with farming soil or used for landscaping purposes. Recycling is
widely used around the world, with plastic, paper and metal leading the list of the most
recyclable items. Most material recycled is reused for its original purpose.

The Bottom Line

There are certain waste types that are considered as hazardous and cannot be disposed of
without special handling which will prevent contamination from occurring. Biomedical
waste is one example of such. This is found in health care facilities and similar institutions.
The special waste disposal system for this unit in place to dispose of this type of waste.
Do you think you can LIVE without producing trash?
We are humans, we can't live without producing trash, but

1. We can minimize trash by having the proper knowledge and guidance.

2. Industrial waste - it is a big challenge for us to dampen this waste without
affecting humans these days, example: Rivers have been used to just flush off that
waste, but we must use technology and reduce the toxic chemicals from that waste
before throwing it into rivers. Only Till, we find another ways in that area.
3. A proper management of waste must be in every area. The biodegradable and
non-bio degradable waste must be separated
4. Recycling
5. Reuse
6. We can minimize the trash by making it a moral value of every human to help in
protecting the environment of our planet. We are at the top in the food chain, it is
our responsibility to ensure that other creatures aren’t being affected by our stupid
trash, governments must come together to support the- Recycling, Reuse, and use
of bio energy, protect the plants and our planet from degradation.
7. So, we must not think of producing less trash, instead we must search of better
ideas from Internet, to manage that thrash.