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The energy crisis
The remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
Rising energy needs
As the world’s
population grows, we
are using more and
more energy. But to
stop global warming,
we may have to
reduce the amount of
energy we all use.
To reduce the energy used in
manufacturing, it’s a good idea
to use recycled building materials.
Cleaner cars
Ordinary petrol
cars use a lot of
oil, and produce
harmful fumes.
Now car makers
are looking for
alternatives to petrol.
Electric cars do not give off any
kind of fumes. Hydrogen engines
burn hydrogen gas, and only
give off water.
When planning a
holiday,
remember that
trains, boats, and cars use
less energy than aeroplanes.
Instead of buying new
clothes,
swap with a friend
or buy them second-hand.
Eat local food
that hasn’t
travelled miles, because
transporting food costs energy.
Start growing
your own
vegetables and fruit, even
if they’re only in pots.
Don’t throw away
glass,
plastics, metal, or paper
– reuse or recycle them.
Take your own bags
when
you go shopping. Making
plastic bags takes energy.
Making a difference
There are lots of small
things we can all do to
save energy.
Don’t leave your TV or
DVD on standby –
this
wastes lots of electricity.
Hang your laundry
outside to dry. Don’t waste
electricity running a dryer.
Ask your parents
about
insulating the roof to
prevent heat from escaping.
If you get cold,
put on a
jumper instead of turning
up your heating.
Energy-saving homes
This house saves energy
by using solar panels and
wind turbines to generate
its own non-polluting
electricity. The walls
are thick, so that less
energy is needed to
heat the house.
To recharge an
electric car, you
just plug it in.
