wasting electricity essay

Save Electricity Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on save electricity.

Electricity is an essential resource for a thriving life. It runs our daily life. Life without electricity would be impossible to imagine now. We generate electricity using coal or natural gas. However, people do not realize the natural resources to do as are limited and non-renewable. We must conserve electricity so that we can conserve these resources.

In other words, electricity serves mankind greatly. We must stop the wastage of power. The world will lose its light if there is no electricity. Moreover, careless behavior by humans must be checked. We need to realize the importance of electricity to save ourselves from the darkness.

Need for Electricity

Electricity is needed in almost every sphere of life now. We need it to lead a comfortable life full of all amenities and services. The world will become dormant without electricity. For instance, all our health and education facilities are conditioned by electricity. If there is no electricity, the surgeon won’t be able to perform his surgery. Moreover, students won’t be able to gain practical knowledge.

Likewise, motor mechanics in the garages and engineers in the factory depend on electricity. Furthermore, the passengers at the railway station and the airport can travel safely due to electricity only.

In addition, various means of transportation depend on electricity only. Trams and metros carry thousands of people every day. All this is made possible due to electricity only. Electricity boosts our modern life and helps in making it civilized.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

How to Save Electricity

Firstly, all of us must understand that even a small step will go a very long way in saving electricity. For instance, if every person at each home switches on the fan when not in use, thousands of watts of electricity can be saved.

Similarly, if we use our air conditioners, heaters, ovens, refrigerators and more properly, we can successfully save large amounts of electricity.

Furthermore, try making use of natural light more. Do not keep the lights unnecessarily in the morning and afternoons. Make do with the natural light as it is enough. We must replace all our old appliances as they consume a lot of electricity. In other words, we must strive to make our homes energy efficient.

Moreover, always remember to unplug your electrical gadgets when not in use. These devices consume at least 10% of electricity even when inactive. Thus, unplug them to save electricity.

In addition, try to cut down your TV watching time. Encourage kids to read and play outside instead. Likewise, try using laptops in place of desktops. Desktops consume more energy than a laptop. You must also switch off the fans if you using your air conditioner, thereby avoiding unnecessary wastage.

Most importantly, installing solar panels can help you excessively. They are very economical and help in saving a lot of energy. The solar panels will help in consuming lesser energy that too economically. Similarly, the industries which use megawatts of electricity must install windmills. This can help in getting cheap electricity through natural means.

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Save Electricity Essay: Format & Samples

• Updated on  
• Dec 9, 2020

Energy conservation has become a need of the hour in today’s world! Electricity being an important source of energy is also wasted the most by humans! Wondering how saving electricity helps the environment? When you consume less electricity, you are reducing the toxic fumes released by power plants. And it also saves your money simultaneously! As learning methods of conserving energy is an essential part of life today, education institutes have come forward to spread awareness at an early stage, either by hosting a slogan or poster competition or by asking students to write save electricity essay! In this blog, we will be explaining how to write a spectacular save electricity essay!

Why Do We Need to Save Electricity?

For both saving money and saving energy, preserving electricity is critical. This is why we should save electricity –

• Saving electricity will help you save money
• There will be a decrease in pollution and carbon emissions
• It will also lead to a decrease in the use of fossil fuels

Essay Format and Examples

Students need to become familiar with the style of essay writing before drafting an essay on Save Electricity, in order to know how to structure the essay on a given subject. Take a look at the following pointers that focus on the 300-350 word essay format: 

Sample Essay 1 (300-350 words)

Sample essay 2 on save electricity (250-300 words), sample essay 3 (500 words).

We assume, therefore, that this blog has helped you understand the main features of the Save Electricity essay. If you are interested in environmental studies and planning to pursue courses in the area, use the AI-based tool of Leverage Edu to search through a wide range of programmes available worldwide in this specific field and find the best combination of courses and universities that matches your interests, priorities and ambitions.

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The environmental impact of wasted electricity

Electricity is a basic necessity in today’s society. Without it, most businesses would be closed by sundown – essentially putting a halt on life itself. Imagine for a moment, living in a world where the sunset signifies the end of your entire day – that would be a massive change for anyone awake after as early as 5pm in the winter or 8pm in the summer.

We understand electricity is necessary, but the way its generated impacts our environment. Coal, for example, is the second largest fossil fuel used in the US to generate electricity. The issue isn’t the type of energy coal generates, but how it’s being generated.

Coal is a flammable sedimentary rock that is mostly made up of organic carbon. So when it is crushed into a fine powder and then heated in order to produce electricity, it releases carbon emissions. The over reliance on fossil fuels creates a greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is the exchange of incoming and outgoing radiation that warms the Earth. According to  Live Science , “The greenhouse effect, combined with  increasing levels of greenhouse gases  and the resulting global warming, is expected to have profound implications, according to most climate scientists.

In order to understand the full consequences excessive electricity usage has on our environment, we first need to get a grasp of the US electricity system.

A quick breakdown of the US electricity market

When looking at the energy landscape, fossil fuels still dominate the market, with a 62.7% share of the US electricity generation market, per the  US Environmental Information Administration (EIA) . Lately, however, natural gas has taken over as the dominant fossil fuel – but not by much. In 2017, natural gas accounted for 31.7%, and coal accounted for 30.1%.

Let’s look at those numbers for a moment. Thirty percent of the electricity generated in the US came from coal – the ultimate carbon-emitting fossil fuel. The other 31% came from natural gas, which emits methane – which isn’t much better. Methane emissions are much stronger than carbon emissions, even though their lifespans are much shorter. According to  Scientific American , “While CO2 persists in the atmosphere for centuries, or even millennia, methane warms the planet on steroids for a decade or two before decaying to CO2.”

Think about that for a second – methane warms the planet on steroids. Keep that thought on your mind; we’ll get right back to it.

How energy inefficiencies are hurting the US

The inefficient use of electricity in the US is profound. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) came out with a  survey  on the world energy rankings. Do you know where the US placed?

Tenth place, two spots behind its eighth place finish in 2016.

When we take a deeper look into the energy consumption in the US, you’ll be shocked at just how inefficient we are. According to a diagram from the  Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) at the Department of Energy , in 2017, 66.7% of energy generated in the US was rejected energy. This means that two-thirds of the energy we generated ended up wasted.

Remember earlier when we spoke about methane and we told you to hang on to that thought? Wasted energy still means that it was produced. Therefore, we burned a ton of fossil fuels for no reason. That means there were both carbon and methane emissions, for electricity that was never even used.

As a nation, we are not the most efficient with our appliances, which has a cumulatively negative effect.

Let’s take lights for example. How often have you left the lights on while heading out for the night? I’m sure plenty of times. We’ve all been guilty of leaving the lights on. The problem is that since it is such a common habit, it easily adds up, contributing to the 66.7% of wasted energy.

How we can stop wasting electricity on a micro scale

As homeowners, renters, or business owners, it is our job to moderate the usage of our appliances. What we mean by that is:  use your appliances only when you need to . If your home is already feeling cool inside as temperatures begin to drop, crack open your windows and turn off your AC.

The electricity that you can save from utilizing outdoor climate might seem small, but when large groups of people join you, the change will create a tremendous impact.

One way to stop wasting energy is to start relying on renewable resources. Solar, wind, and hydro represent different alternatives that offer zero carbon and methane emissions. These renewable sources are the key to our future. Coal reserves are declining and will eventually run out. Natural gas will also follow suit, even though for now, there’s still plenty left. Solar and wind, however, have no expiration date.

The sun isn’t going anywhere and neither is the wind. As a result, research into and development of renewable energy needs to continue moving forward. At the beginning of this article, we talked about how it would be insane to live in a world where the entire day ends at sunset. With the finite amount of coal and natural gas, you can now see how that day can actually happen. As we continue to waste electricity, we continue to emit more carbon and methane into our atmosphere. With fossil fuel gases trapped in our atmosphere, we end up with scorching summers and brutal winters. Our globe continues to warm, melting our polar ice caps, and threatening coastal cities that will begin to be covered by rising sea levels. Once this happens, most of the US will become uninhabitable.

Wasting electricity creates the ultimate domino effect that can one day leave us with a country with insufficient room for all of its citizens. So next time you leave your home and you see the lights on, do us all a favor and turn them off – the environment will thank you.

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• Save Electricity Essay

All About Electricity

Electricity is the best gift of science to mankind. This is the age of electricity. Electricity is a source of light, heat, and other comforts. Right from house lighting to the running of giant factories to streets and parks, it is the invisible current that makes these entities run. Electricity supplies all types of energy to man in order to improve his scientific inventions and increase his social amenities.  Heating and cooling processes are also executed by it. All you need to do is just switch on a button and there you have ample power.

Electricity is primarily produced from coal and water. It is also produced from other sources like nuclear energy, solar energy, etc. but still, production is very less. Efforts are being made to produce more electricity from solar, wind, and nuclear sources so that the natural sources can be conserved. 

Introduction:

Electricity is one of the most important sources in the life of a human. Especially now that we have entered the 21 st century, there is hardly anything that does not work on electricity. However, due to the huge demand for electricity worldwide, it has become hard to produce electricity and provide it to everyone. However, if proper steps and measures are taken to Save Electricity then it is possible that both mankind that is to come and the mankind currently existing can use them. Here is a guide on how you can write the Save Electricity Essay via Vedantu and express all your views on the same. This essay writing helps not only kids from high classes but also those students present in the lower grades.

Need for Electricity

The modern world without electricity is impossible now and it is needed in every sphere of life. Electricity facilitates technological advancement and supports a wide range of products and services that enhance our quality of life and stimulate economic productivity. Thus, demand for power is directly correlated with population and economic growth. 

Houses, streets, parks, offices, shops, malls, etc. are lighted with electricity. Modern communications and transport are rendered safer, speedier, and more comfortable by the introduction of mobile phones, the Internet, the electric train, tram, and motor.

The introduction of electrical devices has simplified labor in every form in the house, in the office, and in the factory. Among domestic services, equipment of every type is functioned more cheaply and efficiently by electricity. Many labor-saving and time-saving devices using electrical energy have been introduced, to minimize drudgery at home and office. 

Radio, television, cooler, heater, washing machine, air conditioners, all depend on electricity. There is no grandeur in festivals and celebrations without electricity. 

Electricity has brought a great revolution in the field of medical science. It plays an important role in the treatment of diseases by electrotherapy. 

Electricity has changed the way of farming. In fact, it has mechanized farming. It has helped us to distribute the water of the rivers into canals and irrigate dry and barren lands. Without electricity, we cannot imagine industrial growth. All types of industries require electricity to function.

How to Save Electricity?

Electricity generation depends largely on non-replaceable resources. Thermal power needs coal and other fossil fuel for generating electricity. This fuel has limited reserves and it will take millions of years to replenish these reserves.

There are many different ways in which we can save electricity and thus conserve energy. At home, elementary actions should be taken such as unplugging computers, turning off televisions in order to reduce our consumption of electricity, thereby conserving energy. You can install thermostat technology at your home and connect the different appliances and gadgets that draw power from all those outlets that are not even in use. Solar panels can be planted to reduce the consumption of electricity.

Furthermore, we can use more natural light. In the daytime instead of switching on lights and fans, we can keep our windows open to get natural light and air.

We can increase our outdoor activities more like playing, gardening, reading, etc. so that TV time can be reduced. We can switch our office work and other related tasks to laptops from desktops because laptops consume less energy than desktops. 

Tips to Write a Good Save Electricity Essay

Make sure you use short lines

Make the lines used in the essay a bit interesting to the readers

Do not use many complex words and keep them as simple as possible.

Electricity is the backbone of modern society. Our life will go back to the primitive age without electricity. There is a need for rational use of electricity, as it is largely produced from non-renewable sources like coal and water. Alternative sources of electricity should be explored to meet the gap between its demand and supply. We should take every step to conserve sources of electricity for future generations.

FAQs on Save Electricity Essay

1. What are all the parts of the essay that need to be covered while writing the Save Electricity Essay?

There are particular parts of the essay that need to be included in the Save Electricity Essay in order to provide the best essay possible. Without these sections, the essay will look all clustered, and hence including them while writing your essay is a must. Here are the parts that you need to add:

1. Introduction:

An introduction should not be too lengthy. Its main purpose should be to attract readers. Students should write at least 50 to 60 words in this section.

The body is the main part of the essay as it will consist of everything about the topic. This section will contain about 100 to 150 words.

3. Conclusion:

This section will mostly focus on providing the summary of the entire essay along with the closing statement. There will be only 2 to 3 lines with about 30 to 40 words.

2. What are some of the uses of electricity?

Leading a comfortable life needs electricity in it and hence electricity has become one of the most important aspects of our lives. For example, if you were to attend a class online you would need electricity. Similarly, electricity will be needed by a surgeon to conduct successful surgeries. Apart from these passengers who are traveling by railways or airplanes can only do so if proper electricity has been provided to the engine. This means that various means of transportations and other objects are run on electricity and if electricity is not used well then these operations might not be possible.

3. How does writing the Save Electricity Essay help students understand the importance of electricity?

When students write on the Save Electricity Essay they get to know various aspects related to electricity as follows:

• Importance of electricity
• Uses of electricity
• Why is electricity being one of the scarce resources nowadays
• How electricity can be saved for future generations

All of these aspects once understood by students will also be able to be a part of the sustainable environment. Vedantu helps students get an idea about the same with a sample Save Electricity Essay that helps them from one on their own. Students can also refer to the Vedantu NCERT Solutions that help them study well and get good grades.

4. How to write a short Save Electricity Essay for my class assignment?

If you are focusing on writing a short Save Electricity Essay for your class assignment you can check out the sample provided on Vedantu. Apart from this you can also check the points provided below and add them to get a short and simple essay.

• Electricity is an important aspect of our life and it is impossible to live in this generation without electricity being provided.
• It is possible that without electricity our lives might go back to the primitive age.
• Saving electricity is one of the important things if humans are to live efficiently in this world.
• It is to be made sure that during the day time the natural light should be preferred than using the lights or lamps to light the room
• When there is good weather outside, open the window and enjoy the light breeze rather than turning on the AC or fans as these take up a lot of electricity.

5. How is Electricity produced and why is it becoming scarce as days go by?

It is seen that around 65% of water is used to generate electricity and is also used in various generators that run on electricity. With such a large amount of water being involved in the production of electricity, it is seen that water is becoming scarce day by day. Hence the electricity which is produced with water is also becoming more and more scarce day by day. Due to this, there will be a time when it will be impossible to save water and electricity anymore. These two main aspects once lost will lead to a lot of trouble.

Word count: 858

Save Electricity Essay for Students & Children 1000 Words

In this article, you will read Save Electricity Essay for Students and Children in 1000 Words. This essay includes its necessity, importance, use, and electricity saving tips.

Table of Contents

Introduction (Save Electricity Essay)

Electricity is one of the essential resources for a thriving life next to water. Electricity is used to run our daily life. Today it will be impossible to imagine life without electricity. So, saving electricity is an important thing for human life,

The Electricity is generated by using coal and natural gas, which is extracted by the mining of earth. Both resources are finite, and deposits are available for a certain amount in the earth.

The main issue is the ever-growing population of humankind, and the demand for electricity is extremely high. But since the resources are finite, the demand far outstrips supply.

Scientists also believe that if we use the resources unchecked, we will consume so much that we will soon run out of it. In simpler, we must preserve electricity so that we can preserve the resources.

Saving electricity is becoming a bigger and bigger because of the astonishing energy bills caused by rapid changes in the lifestyles. People are striving to make their homes comfortable by installing heavy equipment required for comfort and entertainment, which uses an enormous quantity of energy. Electricity serves mankind greatly, but we must stop waste the age of power.

If there is no electricity world will lose light. Still, the careless behavior of humankind must be checked as humans need to realize the importance of electricity to save ourselves from the darkness.

Each day we save electricity, it translates into more savings of money in your bank account. Also, lower energy consumption means lower electricity consumption, which is good for health and environment since lesser greenhouse gasses are emitted into the atmosphere.

Importance and Uses of Electricity

In almost every sphere of life, we need electricity; we need it to lead a comfortable life full of amenities and services. The planet will become inactive without electricity. For instance, all health and education facilities are conditioned by electricity.

If there is no electricity, a surgeon cannot perform the required operations; even the students won’t be able to gain practical knowledge .

Similarly, mechanics in garages and engineers in factories depend upon the electricity for their smooth functioning. Also, the passengers of the railway and airport can travel safely due to the presence of electricity only.

Many modes of transportation depend on electricity like the trams, trains and metros, which carry thousands of people every day. All this is possible due to electricity. Electricity is one of the essential modes to boost modern life and to ensure it to be civilized.

How to Save Electricity?

In today’s world, there is no single industrial sector or other areas where electricity is not used. Each building or apartment operates many lighting fixtures and household appliances. People should first understand that even a slight step will go a very long way in saving electricity.

For example, if people switch off the home fan when they are not in use, they will save many watts of electricity. Similarly, if we use other electrical equipment like heaters, air conditioners, ovens, refrigerators, etc. we can save an enormous amount of electricity.

We should use natural light more and do not keep the lights on during the morning and afternoon, as natural lights should be enough. We should replace all the old appliances which consume more electricity.

We should strive to make our own homes more energy efficient. Remember to unplug your electrical gadget when they are not in use, because even if the device is inactive, they consume ten percent of electricity, therefore unplug them to save electricity.

Also, try to cut down your TV watching time by encouraging your kids to read and play. Instead of desktop, try using laptops, a desktop consumes more electricity compared to a laptop. You should also switch off the fan if you are using an air conditioner, avoiding needless waste age of energy.

Using renewable energy resources like solar and wind energy is one of the best ways to conserve electricity. Installing the solar panels at your home can excessively save energy and economic saving. It is an economical option. The solar panels help to consume in lesser energy.

Also, industries that use megawatts of electricity must install windmills or large solar panels to get cheaper electricity through natural means. Traditional forms of electricity can be expensive when used for power heating and cooling; solar power can take up those big energy-consuming tasks as they are available in abundance and cheap.

Summary in 10 points on Save Electricity

Below you will read 10 lines on Save Electricity-

• Switch of the electrical appliances and lights when they are not used. You should check that all the switches are off when you are leaving the apartment also remove the plugs from the sockets; this leads to a lot of saving of electricity.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances that consume less electricity.
• Keep the door and windows shut off the rooms you are not using and cool or heat the room where you spend most of the time. Keeping the windows tightly shut will ensure that cool air thrown by the air conditioner does not leak out.
• You need to assess home energy so you can identify and improve your home features so you can lower your energy bills.
• By maintaining the ideal temperature of your fridge up to 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. Also, while cooking, it is better to use a microwave as it uses less energy than an electric oven.
• Manage heating and cooling by using efficient and modern appliances.
• Insulate the ceiling of your house; it will make an enormous difference in the energy bills.
• Save money by using a renewable source of energy like solar and wind.
• Nowadays, there is smart lighting available, which is programmable and automatically turns off when you are away.
• Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent light bulbs, which are more energy-efficient. This energy-saving LED bulbs to save up to 80% of lighting costs as they last longer and use less power.

Considering we still depend on the finite natural resources deposited in the earth , all our essentials necessary for our daily life are dependent on electricity. Saving electricity should be ingrained in us; it will be beneficial for us and our environment by using renewable resources like solar & wind. I hope you liked this informative Essay on Save electricity. Thanks.

1 thought on “Save Electricity Essay for Students & Children 1000 Words”

It is very simple project of electricity save

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Save Electricity Essay – 10 Lines, Short & Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Note: Essay On ‘Save Electricity’ For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on ‘save electricity’ for kids, a paragraph on ‘save electricity’ for children, short essay on ‘save electricity’ for kids, long essay on ‘importance of saving electricity’, what will your child learn from this essay.

We use electricity for almost everything nowadays, and it seems impossible to live without it. However, we waste too much electrical energy without considering the consequences. This article will discuss the topic ‘save electricity’ for classes 1, 2 and 3. We must save electricity to use it in the future, and we must preserve energy so future generations can benefit from it. Conservation of electricity essay is the best way to teach kids about the rising concern of electricity. It will sensitise them about the importance of the conservation of electricity, and they will learn how they can cooperate to achieve the same.

Your child should keep a few key aspects in mind when writing an essay on this topic. Let us demonstrate how to create an essay about electricity conservation for your youngster:

• The first stage is to have your youngster organise the concepts (in their heads) regarding the electricity conservation that they wish to write about.
• Allow your kid to jot down their thoughts to create an outline that will allow them to cover all of the themes while writing the essay in the second phase.
• They will build easy-to-read short and basic phrases in the third phase.
• Your child can write about the value of electricity conservation, how saving electricity can save mankind, and so on.

Consider what your life would be like if you didn’t have access to electricity. There will be no tablets, light bulbs, or snack refrigerators. Isn’t it difficult to imagine? We have a few lines below that will help children write an essay for classes 1 and 2 on saving electricity in English.

• Electricity is an important resource today. We need electricity for everything that we do, so we must try to save it as much as possible.
• Electricity is derived from coal and other natural resources extracted from the earth, so we can save the earth by saving electricity.
• Electricity is also harnessed from water, which is a crucial natural resource.
• We must use energy-saving products such as LED blulbs.
• If we switch off all the lights and fans when not in use, we can save a lot of electricity.
• We should turn off electric appliances to save electricity when they are not in use.
• We also can save electricity by using energy-efficient refrigerators, air coolers, and air conditioners.
• Solar panels are a great alternative to reducing energy consumption.
• We can burn less fuel and conserve water to save electricity.
• If we save electricity, it can be distributed more efficiently.

Electricity is important for everyone, and children are the future, so we should teach them to save electricity. Below is the paragraph that will help children write an essay on saving electricity:

Electricity is one of humanity’s greatest discoveries. The discovery of electricity signalled the start of bigger findings relevant to humankind. Electricity has transformed our way of living, and it should be saved at home and in the workplace, organisations, and classrooms. Every individual should be responsible for saving power. Saving electricity saves money as well. We, as students, must take responsibility for switching off lights and equipment when not in use. Appliances that are not in use should also be unplugged. Installing solar panels is beneficial and cost-effective.

Power drives the world, and if we have plenty of it, we also have responsibility. Given below is the essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 on saving electricity.

We should conserve energy. We require electricity at all times and for a variety of social purposes. Electricity is seen as the heart of existence, without which the entire world remains black at night in the current world. Our healthcare, teaching, farming, technology, and other specialised activities depend on electricity. The expert in the activity theatre, the engineer in the industry, the engine technician in the garage, the officer at the workplace, and the passengers at the train station, all benefit from the administration provided by electricity. Indeed, even our minor efforts to conserve electricity will be beneficial. We should be careful about the electric devices we use at home. Fans, lighting, air conditioning systems, coolers, and water heaters must be used properly. TVs should not be turned on when nobody is watching them. We should use sunlight wherever we can as it will help conserve energy. We should all make an effort to preserve electricity.

Electricity saved is electricity generated. This essay for class 3 on saving electricity will help your child organise their thoughts:

Electricity is one of the most important resources for any lifestyle. Our daily lives are powered by electricity. It is difficult to picture living without electricity now. Thus, preserving electricity is critical for human survival.

Uses of Electricity

We use electricity in nearly every aspect of our lives; we require it to live a pleasant life full of comforts and services. Without power, the world will become dormant. Electricity, for example, powers all medical and educational institutions. If there is no power, a surgeon cannot execute the necessary surgeries, and students cannot obtain practical experience, for which the internet is crucial. Similarly, workers in workshops and engineers in plants rely on electricity to perform properly. Passengers on the railway and airport may also travel securely because there is electricity around.

Why Is It Important to Save Electricity?

Electricity sources are likely to run out. Energy, it is true, cannot be generated or destroyed. However, the energy sources from which it is derived are expected to diminish. For example, coal, which significantly contributes to the creation of power, is rapidly decreasing. This necessitates energy conservation. Saving electricity aids in the conservation of natural resources, allowing for economic savings.

Ways To Save Electricity

There is no industrial sector or other areas in today’s world where electricity is not utilised. People must realise that even little steps may go a long way toward saving power.

• We should use natural light more often and turn off the lights in the morning and afternoon when it is not needed.
• We should make every effort to make our own homes more energy efficient.
• Remember to disconnect your electrical appliances when they are not in use since even when they are inactive, they consume 10% of the power. Unplug them to conserve electricity.
• All outdated appliances that use a lot of power should be replaced.
• One of the most effective strategies to save power is to use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy.

Your child will learn to think about different aspects of electricity. It will develop their observation and thought process toward electricity. They will also learn about the importance of saving electricity.

1. Who Invented Electricity, And When?

Benjamin Franklin invented electricity in 1752.

2. What Are The Names Of Some Less Useful Electric Appliances?

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The Solution to America’s Energy Waste Problem is Electrification

We waste too much energy. More electrictification is the answer. 

Columns appearing on the service and this webpage represent the views of the authors, not of The University of Texas at Austin.

The U.S. economy consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Energy is a good thing—critical to our prosperity, wealth, health, and stability. The problem is we waste too much of it.

Simply put, the U.S. economy is not an efficient economy. Incredible as it may sound, we waste about two-thirds of the roughly 100 quads (quadrillion Btu) of energy we consume each year. Most of this waste is due to the burning of fuels. When we burn fuels, whether it’s in a car’s engine or our home oven, most of that energy becomes useless waste heat.

Our economy almost always wants more energy, but there are limits to some of our energy resources. The best way to make those resources go further is to first solve our energy waste problems.

So what needs to be done? The answer is simple: Improve the energy efficiency of the economy as a whole. And the best way to improve the economy’s efficiency is through deep electrification – of everything. Electrification means taking some of our standard activities that are powered by burning fuels and using electricity instead.

In the old days that meant replacing kerosene lamps with electric lightbulbs, but today that means replacing gasoline-powered automobiles with electric vehicles and industrial boilers that burn natural gas to make steam with more advanced devices.

We get our energy from primary sources such as uranium, water, wind, solar radiation, coal, natural gas, oil, biomass, and the ocean’s tides. Some of these fuels are used directly, such as natural gas for cooking. Others are first converted into another form so that they are more useful: Oil is refined into petroleum products such as gasoline for cars, and coal or natural gas are burned to generate electricity.

This last form of energy, electricity, is particularly valuable because it is so versatile; it provides clean motion, heat, light, and information. It is an essential and pervasive presence throughout the developed world and a highly desired commodity throughout the developing world.

Electrification is also a critical avenue to address climate change because it enables the integration of low- or zero-carbon energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and geothermal fuels.

But an electric economy is also an energy-efficient economy, producing less waste, lower costs, and less pollution.

For instance, electrification of transportation would be transformative. The transportation industry consumes the most energy of all end use sectors, about 29 percent of total U.S. energy consumption, mostly in the form of petroleum products burned in internal combustion engines operating with about 25 percent efficiency. This means that of the 20 gallons you put in your gas tank, only five are used for propulsion, and the other 15 are wasted. While driving, your engine heats up and ejects heat into the atmosphere—wasted energy that does not transport you.

If all three trillion miles that our cars and light-duty trucks traveled during the past year were instead provided by electric vehicles that are 70 percent efficient, we would reduce our economy’s rejected, or wasted, energy from 66 quads to 59 quads. That’s the equivalent of improving the entire economy’s efficiency from 32 percent to 34 percent. That might seem insignificant, but a small change in a big number can make a huge difference.

Electric propulsion is much more efficient than heat-based propulsion—only 4.8 quads of electricity are required to displace 16 quads of petroleum to move our vehicles, for instance. If that new or extra electricity demand were met by modern natural gas combined-cycle power plants with about 55 percent efficiency, we would need to burn only another 8.8 quads of natural gas to displace the 16 quads of petroleum, a primary energy reduction of about 9 percent.

To take this scenario one step further, if this added electricity were instead produced by zero-emission technologies such as nuclear, wind, or solar, it would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions on the order of 1.3 billion metric tons (out of nearly 6 billion tons of annual emissions). If the added electricity were to come from old, inefficient coal plants, overall carbon dioxide emissions would increase by 166 million metric tons.

Electrifying other uses of energy beyond transportation—such as heating, cooking, and industrial activity in our homes, businesses, and factories—also offers many benefits. Steel mills that use electric arc heating are more efficient than old-fashioned ones that burn coal. Oil and gas operations can use down-hole electric submersible pumps to increase productivity and avoid pneumatic controllers that vent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

As the political debate rages about how to reduce pollution while keeping energy affordable and reliable, energy efficiency through electrification has broad appeal because it saves money and reduces environmental damage. Deep electrification is a direct pathway to an efficient—and more productive—economy, and that’s something we all support.

Joshua D. Rhodes is a postdoctoral researcher and Michael E. Webber is the deputy director at the Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.

A verison of this op-ed appeared in Fortune .

To view more op-eds from Texas Perspectives, click here .

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Wastage Of Electricity (Essay Sample)

Wastage of electricity.

Many interest groups are becoming concerned about the sustainability of electricity; people are wasting a lot of electricity each day without paying much attention to the long-term effects of such actions. On an average in the US, residential household consumes 10,982 kWh of electricity. We are lucky to live in a world where we have many things at our convenience. However, people tend to waste many resources. Electricity is important resources that often go to waste, from using light’s unnecessarily to fans, radios and other home appliances that are left on even when no one is using them.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, three-quarters of the money we spend on electricity every month is wasted energy, the fact that we spend $ 350 billion annually on electricity means that seven percent of the amount is lost in the process of the delivery path from the power stations up to our homes and business premises. Many people ignore switching off most appliances when they do not use them, which is a process that takes only a little effort by reaching out for the switch. For some people, this is a difficult task. We do have to pay for the electricity we did not use.

Power wastage is becoming a big problem; however, there are several areas that have been identified to be wasting electricity, first within learning institutions, students forget to turn off the lights and fans before leaving. Teachers often forget to turn off the lights or equipment after using them, some students turn on air conditioners even on a chilly day. In most business premises people waste electricity, you can we see lights in an unoccupied building. During the day, most offices still looks brighter with lights being turned on.

At home, we ignore turning off television until the next day. Some kitchen appliances are not turned off after use. We usually turn on computers, but do nothing, hence wasting electricity.  Saving electricity sounds to be a lot of effort for many people, but it requires making small lifestyle changes to save hundreds of dollars every year. When unused house appliances are powered off, this is the first step to saving electricity.

We need also avoid the extra gas emission. Even though the government has developed various initiatives by developing five-year plans emphasizing on using alternative sources of energy, everyone has the responsibility to limit their use of electricity. Saving electricity requires a concerted effort between the government and individuals using electricity to solve the problem. It is each and everyone’s duty to avoid wasting electricity. More than 50 percent of electricity wastage comes from household appliances; all we have to remember is to switch them off and to unplug any electrical devices when we are not using to save the annual spending on electricity.

Saving electricity is not about switching off the appliances it about using energy efficient appliance models. With several electrical appliances, we can choose the ones using less energy to save wastage. We do not need to understand the logistics behind electricity and how it is generated, but conserving it is a simple process that anyone can participate.  The next time we are plugging in the appliances, turning on that heater we need to do it in a more energy efficient way. Everyone agrees that electricity is essential for us to live comfortably but, we need to embrace simple ways to reduce its usage. We need to save money and improve our home sustainability without destroying the future generation. We need to try these simple steps and life will be much affordable.

Essay on Electricity

Introduction.

Imagine if we had to endure the unbearable heat during the summers or live in darkness during the night. We can’t think of a life without a fan or light, can we? But have you wondered what makes them work? Electricity is the beautiful phenomenon that is behind the running of various appliances today. We cannot underestimate the power of electricity in our lives, and this long essay on electricity will help your kids to be familiar with its uses and benefits.

Importance of Electricity

There is hardly anything that does not work on electricity. Whether we need to watch TV or run a grinder, electricity is an important component that makes them function. This long essay on electricity shows how electricity makes our lives easier and more comfortable. Earlier, if we relied on handmade fans to keep ourselves cool, we now have to simply tap on the switch to run our electric fans, pedestal fans or ceiling fans. Similarly, the old kerosene lamps are now replaced by modern lights and tubes that fill the whole place with light. In this manner, electricity has given us many comforts, and it is hard for us to imagine going back to living without it.

Nearly every aspect of human life has benefited from using electricity. Apart from simplifying our lives at home by inventing electrical appliances, electricity has enabled easy communication through the introduction of telephones and fax machines. Besides, its use is found in many industries and factories to run large machines. If electric trains took the place of steam engines in the transportation industry, new devices and instruments, like X-ray machines, scanning devices, ECG and such, have changed the way the medical industry operates. Thus, we can say that the unseen presence of electricity has filled our lives with hope and joy.

Ways to Save Electricity

We all know that we get electricity from coal and water. Coal and petroleum are non-renewable resources, and there is a limit to using them, as it would take enormous time to replenish these resources. Thus, it is important to use electricity productively. Give your children this free printable essay on electricity from BYJU’S so that they understand its significance.

In this save electricity essay, there are some effective tips to conserve energy. We often tend to switch on the lights even in broad daylight or use a fan when it is extremely cold. Such unnecessary use of electricity must be avoided as you can open your windows to let in light and wind. Limit the charging of your phones and laptops, and remember to unplug them after it is fully charged. Also, try to spend maximum time outdoors so that you can restrict the time of watching TV. Thus, by taking such simple measures, we can save electricity.

Found this essay interesting? You can access more essays similar to the essay on electricity, along with a range of kid-friendly learning resources, on BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explain how electricity is produced..

Electricity is mainly produced from non-renewable sources, like coal and petroleum. But nowadays, electricity is also generated from wind, flowing water, sun and tides to make electricity cheap and easily available.

What are the uses of electricity?

Electricity is widely used in homes, industries and factories. Inventions like fans, lights and other electrical devices, like washing machines, refrigerators, televisions, computers and grinders, work on electricity.

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The impact of electricity on climate change

Sophia Bassi, a high school student living in London, passionate about science and journalism, explores the life and inventions of Michael Faraday.

Scientist Michael Faraday’s invention of the electric motor has had significant impacts on our everyday lives. At the same time, our use of electricity has also contributed to climate change. In order to generate electricity, we burn fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gasses into the environment.

These greenhouse gasses, mainly including carbon dioxide, make the Earth’s temperature increase.  Currently, the world is 1.2C warmer compared to the 19th century , and effects of this climate change include increased droughts, sea level rises and more species going extinct. Generating electricity plays a large part in releasing these harmful greenhouse gasses;  approximately three-quarters of electricity generated in the UK comes from fossil fuels . In order to stop any further effects of climate change, we must change our way of generating electricity.

Fortunately, there are many more ways to generate electricity sustainably. Energy forms that do not release any polluting gasses into the atmosphere include wind, water and solar energy. These energy forms are also renewable, which means that the energy source will never run out! To give an example of how these cleaner energy sources work, using wind energy involves the use of wind turbines. Wind turbines have a tall tower with blades attached to the top; the blades are connected to a generator in the turbine. Energy is passed to the blades when the wind blows, and this drives the generator to produce electricity. Meanwhile, many forms of water energy use the movement of water to drive electricity generators, and solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy.

In addition, electricity itself can help us become more environmentally friendly through the use of electric cars. Unlike cars fueled by gasoline, electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries. They do not emit carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Since the 1990s, electric cars have been gaining more popularity out of people’s concern for global warming, and car companies have manufactured more of them. Overall, although we currently generate electricity in harmful ways, there are many more sustainable ways that we can use and produce electricity.

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16 ways to conserve energy and save on your bills

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As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information. We design every article to provide you with deeply-researched, factual, useful information so that you can make informed home electrification and financial decisions. We have:

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We won't charge you anything to get quotes through our marketplace. Instead, installers and other service providers pay us a small fee to participate after we vet them for reliability and suitability. To learn more, read about how we make money and our Editorial Guidelines .

Saving energy doesn't mean you have to do less or sacrifice any creature comforts. Thanks to new, more efficient (and often affordable) tech, it's easier than ever to get more out of your home while conserving electricity and other fuels, shrinking your utility bills, and reducing your environmental impact. Here are some of the lowest-hanging fruit you can start picking off in your home.

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1. Replace your light bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don't last as long as energy-efficient alternatives. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, Energy Star. For reference, Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than an incandescent light bulb while providing the same amount of light. Although energy-efficient bulbs can be more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifetimes mean they cost less in the long run.

2. Use smart power strips

"Phantom energy," also known as "standby energy" or "vampire energy," is the electricity used by electronics when turned off or in standby mode. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , standby energy accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use and costs the average U.S. household as much as $100 per year. Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can turn off appliances at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a "master" device.

3. Install a programmable or smart thermostat

Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy use without upgrading your HVAC system. Smart thermostats can automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling while asleep or away and come in different models to fit your weekly schedule. 

According to ENERGY STAR , a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent of your heating and cooling bills. Savings may vary based on your local climate, personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home. Some smart thermostats even indicate when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems to further improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. 

Learn more about smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobee .

4. Purchase energy-efficient appliances

When purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase prices, they usually save money on your monthly utility bill.

When purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy than standard models. Importantly, energy savings differ based on the specific appliance. For example, Energy Star-certified clothes washers use approximately 20 percent less energy than standard models, whereas Energy Star refrigerators use 9 percent less energy.

5. Reduce your water heating expenses

Water heating significantly contributes to your total energy usage. Other than purchasing an energy-efficient water heater, there are three ways to reduce your water heating expenses: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, or insulate your water heater with the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.

When shopping for efficient water heaters, consider the type of water heater that meets your needs and the fuel it will use. For example, tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they are also a poor choice for large families as they cannot handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water. Heat pump water heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home's water. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four people approximately $550 per year on its electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater. While heat pump water heaters usually have a higher upfront cost, tax credits and rebates are available to many homeowners looking to upgrade to a heat pump water heater.

6. Install energy-efficient windows

According to the Department of Energy (DOE) , heat gain and loss through windows account for 25 to 30 percent of most homes' heating and cooling energy. You can replace single-pane windows with double-pane products to prevent heat loss through your windows. For homes in colder regions, "low-e" storm windows are more insulating and can significantly reduce your heating expenses. In addition, low-e interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by 10 to 30 percent. You should especially consider storm windows if your area frequently experiences extreme weather.

In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home. Energy Star breaks down the most efficient windows by climate or area of the U.S. on its website . Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and outside temperatures, leading to more energy conservation and better energy management. Some states and utility companies also offer incentives for replacing windows with more energy-efficient versions.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, there are two key labels to look for:

Energy Star label: review details on this label just as you would on appliances

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label : helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories.

7. Upgrade your HVAC system

An HVAC system comprises heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with Energy Star-certified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $140 . Whether you select heat pumps or a natural gas furnace, you'll want to ensure the HVAC equipment you choose is sufficient for your climate. Heat pumps are advantageous because they efficiently heat and cool your home. Otherwise, you'll need two systems: an air conditioner to cool and a furnace or boiler to heat.

Upgrades to ventilation can also improve your energy efficiency. A ventilation system comprises a network of ducts that distribute hot and cold air throughout your home. If these ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses. Proper insulation and maintenance on your ventilation system can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20 percent.

8. Weatherize your home

Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is another way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. The shield or "building envelope" between the inside and outside provides a barrier to weather, air, and moisture. The most common sources of air leaks into your home are vents, windows, and doors. Ensure there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe to prevent these leaks.

You can apply caulk to seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, and weather stripping for cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air-sealing techniques that typically offer a return on investment in less than a year. Air leaks can also occur through openings in the wall, floor, and ceiling from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.

Hot air rises and escapes through small openings, whether through ducts, light fixtures, or the attic hatch. As the natural flow of heat is from warmer to cooler areas, these small openings can make your heating bill even higher if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. Some approaches to energy efficiency, such as the Passive House standard , include a specific standard of thermal performance for the building envelope. Consider fully insulating your home to get the most out of weatherization.

9. Insulate your home

Insulation plays a crucial role in lowering your utility bills by retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer. The level of insulation you should install depends on the area of your house. Your attic, walls, floors, basement, and crawlspace are the five main areas where you should consider adding insulation. Consider receiving an energy audit to help you determine if you need to add insulation.

10. Get a home energy audit

Here's what a typical energy audit might look like in your home:

An energy auditor will look at your building from the outside. They'll examine various components, including windows, walls, and eaves, to see if they can spot any significant issues causing leaks into or out of your home.

The auditor will check out the attic (if you have one) to look at a few things. Most importantly, they'll inspect your insulation to ensure it's correctly installed and applied evenly between your walls. They'll also evaluate the holes where electrical lines run to see if they're properly sealed or could be a source of leakage.

The auditor will examine your furnace and water heater. If either is on the older side, it's likely a candidate for an upgrade. They'll also probably look at the filter in the furnace to ensure it doesn't require replacement. They'll check connections in the ducts in your basement to try and locate any possible leaks where you may be losing heat and energy. 

Most professional audits will include a blower door test. This device allows them to locate air leakage and test air quality in your home. During a blower door test, all the windows and doors are closed, and they'll use a blower door machine to depressurize the house. At that point, the auditor often uses an infrared camera to see where cold air may leak into your home and identify opportunities for air sealing.

Finally, audits usually include an inspection of the lighting in your home. 

What you pay for a professional energy audit often depends on the company and size of your property (some companies offer fixed rates, while others will charge more for a larger home). Even as a paid service, the upfront cost for an energy audit and the following energy efficiency updates are usually worth it when you save on your electricity bills down the line. In fact, by making energy efficiency upgrades in your home, you can save between 5 and 30 percent on your energy bills, according to the DOE.

Pairing solar power and energy efficiency

Combining solar power and energy efficiency can maximize your financial benefit in the long run. Your solar panel system produces renewable energy on your property, but as with any technology, it will degrade and produce less energy over time. An energy audit will help you maintain lower electricity bills as your solar panel system ages.

Some solar loan products enable you to bundle financing for your solar panel system and energy efficiency measures in one package. In many cases, these financing options offer lower interest rates, a higher maximum loan amount, or other incentives to make it easier for you to do both.

11. Wash your clothes in cold water when possible

Washing clothes is a necessary chore and part of the weekly routine of most Americans, but it's also energy-intensive. According to Energy Star , heating water uses about 90 percent of the energy to operate a clothes washer. Fortunately, some claim that washing in cold water can increase the lifespan of your clothes!

12. Clean or replace your air filters

Many home systems, like your HVAC, use filters that must be replaced or cleaned regularly. Clean filters are more efficient and put less strain on your system, but this step often gets overlooked. It's best to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific equipment, but in general, you'll want to clean them every month or two.

13. Use your toaster oven

Along with other household chores, heating food is necessary but energy-taxing. Using a toaster oven instead of a regular oven can be an energy-saver if you have smaller portions. Overall, microwaves are the most energy-efficient ways to reheat food.

14. Use natural light

Using light from the sun is an intuitive way to reduce energy consumption. North and south-facing windows allow for more glancing light that produces heat and limits harsh light in the winter. While east and west-facing windows allow for more direct sunlight, they aren't as effective at letting heat in. Trees and nearby structures can also shade a building's surfaces and block winds from different directions.

15. Dress for the weather

While it may seem obvious to bundle up when going out in the winter, doing so inside can also help save on your heating costs. If you stay warm by wearing more clothes indoors, you can reduce the energy needed to heat your home.

16. Adjust your day to day behaviors

Luckily, you don't always need to purchase new energy-efficient products to reduce energy consumption in your home. Energy conservation can be as simple as turning off lights or appliances when you're not using them! Performing household tasks manually also avoids the use of energy-intensive appliances. For example, hang-drying your clothes conserves the energy your clothes dryer would use otherwise. 

Heating and cooling costs typically impact utility bills the most, so reductions in the intensity and frequency of those activities offer the most significant savings. Energy monitors help you understand where most of your electricity is going in your home and which appliances use the most electricity daily.

Energy efficient products for your home

There are many different products you can purchase to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your overall energy consumption. Below are some examples of ways you can leverage renewable energy sources and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels:

Solar panels

Solar panels can help you use available energy from the sun to power your home, so you can harness that energy to power your home. 

Solar batteries

You can install solar batteries when you install solar panels, allowing you to store the extra solar energy your panels generate when the sun goes down as well as other benefits like increased energy savings.

An alternative to having two different HVAC systems to heat and cool your home, air source heat pumps are a type of heating and cooling system that moves heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.

Frequently asked questions

What wastes the most electricity in the average household?

An HVAC system uses the most energy of anything in the home. Heating and cooling use about half of your home's energy, according to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

What is the average electric bill for a house and apartment?

The average electric bill is $198 according to data from our nationwide EnergySage marketplace. It varies greatly depending on location and home size. 

Does unplugging things save money?

Unplugging unused devices around your home can be an easy way to save 5-10% on your electricity bill, according the the U.S. Department of Energy.

How can I save energy while at work?

Installing a smart thermometer, insulating your home, and upgrading your HVAC system are all ways to save energy while you’re at work.

Which month has the highest energy consumption?

Electricity usage is typically highest during the summer months when homes and offices use air conditioning to stay cool.

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Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts Essay

Waste management is one of the most significant issues facing urban communities all over the world. There are various sources of waste in the world today. The EPA notes that the major sources of waste include household garbage, sewage, sludge, construction debris, discarded vehicles, and scrap metal (par. 3). Traditionally, waste has been managed primarily by being disposed into landfills or incinerated. However, recent approaches to waste management favor making use of waste to create energy.

According to the EPA, waste to energy (WTE) transformation is the “conversion of non-recyclable waste materials into useable heat, electricity, or fuel through a variety of processes, including combustion and gasification” (par. 1). Cheremisinoff notes that the concept of treating waste products to obtain cheap energy has been around for several decades (83). However, this concept has become more prevalent over the last few years as municipal authorities seek to maintain control over waste products and minimize the environmental impacts of the waste disposal process.

Waste-to-energy conversion efforts have a number of significant impacts on the economy, society, and environment. Converting waste to energy presents a way for cities to profit from waste disposal activities. Without implementing WTE processes, waste is disposed of in a way that does not produce any useful product. By converting waste to energy, authorities are able to sell electricity generated from waste. OECD reports that by using modern WTE plants, profits can be realized from waste management efforts (256).

WTE acts as a source of alternative energy that reduces the demand for conventionally produced energy. By making use of waste as the input product for energy production plants, the usage of conventional fuels such as coal and fossil fuels is significantly reduced. This increases energy independence of the country since fossil fuels are mostly imported from the oil-producing countries. WTE significantly reduces the environmental impact of traditional waste disposal methods such as landfill. Once waste has been used to create energy, its volume is significantly reduced. The EPA documents that once waste has been converted into energy through incineration, only 10% of the initial waste volume is recovered as ash to be disposed in the landfills. Creating energy from waste also mitigates the environmental impact of waste by preventing greenhouse gases such as methane from being released into the atmosphere.

In spite of these benefits, there are some notable limitations of this approach. The first significant limitation is that WTE requires significant capital investments. The OECD acknowledges that constructing state-of-the-art WTE plants that meet the stringent environmental regulations is an expensive endeavor (256).

The cost of converting waste to energy is higher than dumping the waste into landfills. Cheremisinoff confirms that landfills are cheaper than any waste-to-energy approach since they only involve transporting the waste to the dumpsite (83). Another limitation is that WTE requires huge amounts of waste in order to be practicable. This makes waste to energy projects unfeasible in regions where low levels of waste are produced. WTE might also discourage cities from carrying out recycling schemes, which are necessary for environmental sustainability.

Using waste to create energy is an important way of managing waste in an environmentally safe manner. This paper has highlighted some of benefits and limitations of transforming waste to energy. From the discussions made, it can be concluded that WTE plants present an environmentally sound way to deal with waste while at the same time benefiting the society by producing clean energy.

Works Cited

Cheremisinoff, Nicholas. Handbook of Solid Waste Management and Waste Minimization Technologies . NY: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003. Print.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Recovery from Waste . 2014. Web.

OECD. OECD Territorial Reviews OECD Territorial Reviews: The Chicago Tri-State Metropolitan Area, United States 2012. London: OECD Publishing, 2012. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2022, May 4). Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts. https://ivypanda.com/essays/waste-to-energy-plants-benefits/

"Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts." IvyPanda , 4 May 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/waste-to-energy-plants-benefits/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts'. 4 May.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts." May 4, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/waste-to-energy-plants-benefits/.

1. IvyPanda . "Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts." May 4, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/waste-to-energy-plants-benefits/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Waste-to-Energy Conversion Efforts." May 4, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/waste-to-energy-plants-benefits/.

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Essay On Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy, as we have other forms of energy like heat and light. We feel the existence of electricity when a refrigerator is on, an electric heater is on, or when an electric bulb is switched on. It is fascinating that electrical appliances like ceiling fans, mobile phones, laptops, etc., surround us. Also, the natural phenomenon of lightning striking the ground involves electricity. Here are a few sample essays on ‘Electricity’.

100 Words Essay On Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy that is used to power lights, appliances, and many other things in our homes and buildings. It is created by generators, which use fuel to create a flow of electric charges. These charges are then sent through wires to our homes, where they power everything from our lights to our televisions.

Electricity is a powerful force that can be both helpful and dangerous. It is important to always be careful around electricity and to follow safety rules when using it.

Overall, electricity is an essential part of modern life and is used to power many of the things that make our lives easier and more convenient. Understanding how electricity works and how to use it safely is an important part of being a responsible student and citizen.

200 Words Essay On Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy that is all around us and plays a vital role in our daily lives. It is the force that powers everything from the lights in our homes to the computers we use at school.

Science Behind It | Electricity is a flow of tiny particles called electrons. These electrons flow through wires and create a current, which is what powers our lights and appliances. The electricity that we use in our homes is created at power plants, where generators use fuel like coal, natural gas, or wind to create the flow of electrons. It is sent through a network of transmission and distribution lines, which are like a big spider web, to reach different parts of the country. From there, it is sent to homes and buildings through smaller wires called service lines.

It is important to remember that electricity can be both helpful and dangerous. It is important to follow safety rules when using electricity. For example, it is important to never touch electrical wires with wet hands or to plug too many things into one outlet. Always be sure to ask an adult for help if you have any questions or concerns about electricity.

500 Words Essay On Electricity

Electricity is a powerful force that has a significant impact on our daily lives. It is the energy that powers everything from the lights in our homes to the computers we use at school. It enables us to have access to modern appliances, technology and communication.

How Electricity Affects Our Lives

One of the most obvious ways that electricity affects our lives is by providing the power for our lights, appliances, and other devices. Without electricity, we would have to rely on things like candles and manual labor to get things done. This would make our lives much more difficult and less convenient.

Electricity also plays a vital role in communication, it allows us to stay connected with friends and family through phone calls, text messages, and social media. It also allows us to access information and entertainment through the internet, television, and radio.

Furthermore, electricity also contributes to the development of industries, it is used to power machines and equipment that are essential for manufacturing and production, without electricity, it would be difficult to produce goods and services.

However, it is also important to consider the negative effects of electricity on the environment. The production of electricity often involves burning fossil fuels which release pollutants into the air and contribute to global warming. Moreover, the overuse of electricity can lead to power shortages and blackouts.

Overall, electricity has a profound effect on our lives, it makes our lives easier and more convenient, it contributes to communication and industry development, but it also has negative effects on the environment. It is important to be aware of how we use electricity and to make a conscious effort to use it responsibly and efficiently.

Discovery Of Electricity

The discovery of electricity is a story that spans centuries, with many important figures contributing to our understanding of this powerful force.

It all began in ancient times, with the Greeks and Romans experimenting with static electricity by rubbing different materials together. They observed that certain materials, such as amber, would become charged and attract nearby objects.

In the 1600s, English scientist William Gilbert conducted extensive research on electricity and magnetism, and coined the term "electricus," meaning "like amber." He also discovered that many materials, not just amber, could become charged.

In the 1700s, several scientists made significant advancements in the understanding of electricity. Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, proving that lightning was a form of electricity. He also invented the lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning strikes.

In the 1800s, scientists such as Alessandro Volta and Michael Faraday made even more strides in our understanding of electricity. Volta created the first battery, while Faraday discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is the basis for the operation of generators and motors.

As the years went on, scientists continued to make advancements in our understanding of electricity. The invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison in 1879 changed the world forever, making electric light a practical reality for the first time.

Throughout the years, many people have contributed to our understanding of electricity, and it is a story of curiosity, experimentation and perseverance. Today we are able to enjoy the convenience and comfort that electricity has brought to our lives, but it all started with a spark of curiosity and a desire to understand the world around us.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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How to Save Energy at School

Last Updated: April 2, 2024

This article was co-authored by Kathryn Kellogg and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. She's the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic. This article has been viewed 88,489 times.

Schools consume a large amount of energy, which has a negative impact on the environment and can cost your school a lot of money. Whether you are a teacher or a student, there are lots of ways that you can help your school save energy. The most common sources of energy use in schools include toilet flushing, lighting, heating and cooling, and electronics. Look for simple changes your school can make and band together with others to make an even bigger impact.

Getting Others Involved

• If you are a student, walk or ride your bicycle to school whenever possible. You could then go a step further by inviting other students to join a group in school. You could also ask your teacher if they would spread the word and maybe even let you use the classroom for meetings.
• If you are a teacher, you could recruit students and help them by giving them ideas for how to save energy at school. One other great way to get students organized is to start an official school club. Check the student handbook or talk to an administrator at the school about how to get started.

• If you are a student, you could create some signs on your own or with a few friends who are also interested in helping your school save energy. Make sure to get permission to hang the signs first.
• If you are a teacher, you could have your students create signs for a class project or homework assignment, and then go around posting the signs together.
• For example, you might hang up signs next to light switches around the school with reminders, like “Remember to turn off the lights when you leave!”

• Your school’s garbage company may offer recycling services. Check with them first to see if they can provide receptacles, and then ask them to place these in designated areas throughout the school.

• If you’re a student, circulate a petition among your fellow students or organize a meeting between the administrators and your student energy-saving club. It can also help to get teachers involved.
• Support your case by doing some research and writing up a formal report. Include statistics to demonstrate how much money and energy the school would save by making the changes you’re suggesting.

Cutting Back on Energy Use from Lighting

• Try organizing a student “light patrol” to check empty classrooms, labs, and other spaces to make sure the lights are off when they’re not in use.
• If you are a teacher, remind your students by saying, “Did you know that 90% of the energy that lightbulbs use is expended as heat? If we turn off lights when we don’t need them, we can save energy and keep rooms cooler.” [3] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source Try doing this at a time when the students will remember it, like just before leaving the classroom or as you are turning off some lights.

• If you are a student, ask your teacher if it is okay to work with fewer lights on. For example, you could approach your teacher and say something like, “The sun is so bright today. Would it be okay if we opened the blinds and turned off some or all of the lights to save energy?”
• If you are a teacher, try asking your students, “Can everyone see okay?”

• CFLs consume a little more energy than incandescent bulbs when you first turn them on, but after the bulb is on, they use 70% less energy than an incandescent bulb. [4] X Trustworthy Source Energy Star Program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy focused on educating consumers about energy efficiency Go to source
• Make sure that you do not switch CFL bulbs off and on too much. It is best to leave them on for 15 minutes or longer to save more energy.

Saving Energy from Heating and Cooling

• If you are a student, check with your teacher before you close any doors. Your teacher might be leaving the door open for a good reason. Try saying something like, “I read that closing doors can help us save energy. Would it be okay if I close our classroom door?”

• If you are a student, try saying, “Before we turn up the air conditioning, could we try using the fans? They can cool the room while using less energy than air conditioning.”
• If you are a teacher, check with your students to see if they are cool enough with just the fans.

• If you are a student, try saying to your teacher, “I read that we could save energy by making some minor adjustments to the thermostat in our classroom. Would it be okay if we tried that?”
• If you are a teacher, try saying to your students, “I am adjusting the thermostat to help us save some energy, but let me know if you start to feel too hot/cold.”

• If you are a student, you might want to let your teacher know first. However, you could offer to tell the maintenance staff for them. Try saying something like, “I noticed that there is a draft near the windows in our classroom. Is it okay if I tell the maintenance staff, or would you rather let them know yourself?”

• If you are a student, be sure to check with your teacher first. Try saying something like, “I noticed that the area rug is covering a heating vent, and we could save energy if we moved it slightly. Would it be okay if we did that?”

Reducing Energy Use from Electronics

• Turning off screens and monitors when you’re done using them.
• Checking to see if computers are set to “sleep” when not in use.
• Making sure that computers shut down completely at the end of the day.
• If you’re a student, talk to your teachers about putting rules in place about turning off electronics when they aren’t in use.

• If you are a student, try saying something like, “Surge strips can save energy because they make it easy to switch the power off and on for multiple electronic items. Would it be possible to get some for our classroom?”

• If you are a student, then you might ask your teacher if this is something the school already does. Do a little research on how much your school can save by using Energy Star appliances, and write up a report to present to your teacher or the administration.
• If you are a teacher, then you could talk with your school’s principal about it.
• You can find out more about the Energy Star program here: https://www.energystar.gov/ .

• If you are a student, you could talk to your teacher or school principal about this idea. Try saying something like, “Can we get a compressor remote to turn off the vending machines and save energy when school is not in session?”

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• ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Eco-friendly Living Expert. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
• ↑ https://energy.gov/energysaver/when-turn-your-lights
• ↑ https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_cfls

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13 Ways You Are Wasting Energy at Home

Wasting electricity at home is something many of us do without realizing it. If we don’t understand what wastes the most electricity in a home, it’s easy to use more than we need.

But now some good news: Many of the biggest energy-wasting habits at home are easy to change, including the 13 listed below. And when you stop wasting energy at home, you benefit in many ways — from possibly lowering your bill to protecting the environment to extending the life of your household appliances.

1. Leaving your electronics and appliances plugged in.

How does leaving something plugged in use electricity if it’s turned off? The answer is “vampire draw,” also known as phantom load or standby power. Standby mode can use more energy than you think. Calculating how much energy is wasted at home in this way, the Department of Energy states that devices that use standby power account for up to 10% of your electricity use.

Things that have a continuous electronic display like a clock and that are operated with a remote control are often the biggest culprits. Electronics fall into this category. For instance, you can stop wasting energy at home by not leaving your computer on once you’ve finished using it. Turn it all the way off and then go a step further by unplugging it. Unplugging devices when not in use is the surest way to prevent energy loss at home.

Another idea: Cut gaming console energy consumption by plugging it and your television or monitor into a power strip. You can do so with any group of electronic devices that are used together. That makes it easier to prevent phantom load in several devices at once by giving you one off switch and one cord to unplug for the whole group.

2. Not utilizing sleep or standby settings for your electronics, as a backup.

While it’s better to switch off (and even unplug) a television when you’re done watching, a sleep setting can come in handy. Leaving devices on and forgetting about them is one of the biggest energy-wasting habits at home. And having a device in sleep or standby mode uses less electricity than having it completely on.

Many devices have a sleep or standby feature that turns them off after a certain amount of time. If you like to fall asleep with the television on, you can set it to switch off after a set amount of time. You can still fall asleep to the TV, but not waste energy keeping it on all night.

3. Forgetting to turn the lights off.

Does leaving a switch on waste energy? It can. Turning off lights saves energy . Another of the biggest energy-wasting habits at home is leaving lights on in empty rooms. It’s easy to walk out of a room and forget about hitting the off switch.

While the average cost to keep a 100-watt incandescent bulb on for 10 hours is only about 12 cents, waste is still waste. And waste adds up. If you’re going to be out of a room for more than 15 minutes, turn off the lights.

One of the benefits of smart home systems is that you can program lights to turn on and off at certain times. And if you forget and leave the lights on, you can switch them off from your phone.

4. Using inefficient light bulbs.

Today’s lighting technology offers dozens of alternatives to incandescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, for example, have been around for decades. They now weigh less and offer a range of light colors. Best of all, they use anywhere from 65% to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs use even less energy, plus they last for tens of thousands of hours. Whichever bulbs you choose, look for those that have an ENERGY STAR ® rating for the most efficient options.

5. Running the dishwasher when it’s not full.

Even efficient dishwashers can use up to 270 kWh of electricity per year . That doesn’t include the cost of the hot water. Reduce dishwasher power consumption by running your machine only when it’s full. You’ll run it less often and use less electricity.

Another way to stop wasting energy at home is to use the “economy” setting. It allows you to air-dry dishes instead of the energy-intensive “heat-dry” option.

6. Washing your clothes in hot water.

How do we waste energy at home? Oftentimes, it’s something as simple as washing clothes in hot water. In most cases, warm or cold water will get your clothes just as clean.

While tough odors and some oil-based stains can best be removed with hot water, your average wash will get just as clean in cold. With this laundry energy-saving tip , you’ll conserve electricity. Plus, you can extend the life of your clothes: Cold-water washes prevent shrinking, are easier on fibers and minimize fading.

7. Using extra energy when cooking.

You can save time and energy when you prepare the day’s meals all at once. Turning your stovetop and oven on several times a day increases energy consumption, as you heat up the appliance each time. Save energy while cooking with meal prepping, preparing several things at the same time and cooking in batches.

8. Setting your thermostat too high or low.

If you set your thermostat and forget about it, you’re wasting electricity at home because inside temperatures vary through the day and by room. When the sun shines in, rooms can get overheated. If no one is in bedrooms during the day, your HVAC system may be working harder than it needs to.

You can avoid that problem with a programmable smart thermostat that uses energy-efficient smart home apps to learn the patterns of your household. Set it to warm or cool the house just before you get home from work. Lower the temperature while you sleep to save in winter. Fine-tuning your thermostat is one of the smart home energy-saving strategies that can cut your energy use without sacrificing comfort.

9. Forgetting to replace your HVAC system’s air filters.

Failing to replace the air filters on your furnace can lead to wasting electricity at home. When air filters get clogged with dirt, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through them. The increased load can cause your system to wear out faster and break down when you need it the most.

In addition to changing air filters, make sure to clean air ducts every few years. If you have central air, you’ll help keep your whole system running dependably and efficiently.

10. Taking extra-long showers.

Running hot water for long periods is another waste of energy that you can avoid with small adjustment to habits. Frequent long, hot showers drain your hot water heater so it must use additional energy to heat a new tank full of cold water. Save energy in your bathroom with shorter showers, ideally with a low-flow shower head , to cut energy use.

11. Keeping water heater settings cranked up.

Most hot-water heater settings default to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning your hot water thermostat down to 120 will save energy, prevent wear and tear and keep your family safe. Your water will be hot enough for bathing and washing dishes and clothes, but you’ll reduce the danger of scalding. Plus, the lower temperature slows mineral buildup and reduces corrosion.

Your water heater won’t work so hard and will last longer. Newer models are much more energy efficient. An ENERGY STAR ® water heater can save enough to pay for itself.

12. Failing to landscape strategically.

Many people aren’t aware how landscaping and plantings can affect their home energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that shrubs and trees that form windbreaks or provide shade can cut energy consumption in your home by as much as 25%. And keeping bushes trimmed in the winter will maximize the warming sunlight in your home that can help cut your heating bill.

13. Letting air leaks go unnoticed.

Identifying sources of drafts is one of the best strategies for how to prevent energy loss at home. Windows and doors can let in plenty of cold air in winter if not properly insulated or leak cool air into the heat during summer. Also check where utilities, like cable, electric and water come into your home. Caulk around these areas to plug leaks.

You can often discover drafts by feel. Alternatively, use a candle. When it flickers, track down the source of the air blowing in. But the surest way to find leaks is by getting a professional to conduct an energy audit that can help you identify and prioritize problem areas.

When you stop wasting electricity at home, you gain so much. You can cut your energy bill, contribute to a cleaner environment, extend the life of your appliances and enjoy a more comfortable home year-round.

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James Molnar - 3/11/2022

Thanks for the information it was helpful, especially taking long showers.

You might be wondering what uses natural gas in a house and why it is so popular. Widely available, natural gas as a residential energy source is used in many homes across the country.

Incorporate these energy efficiency tips into your spring cleaning business practices to help your team transition from winter to warmer weather. Taking the time to clean, repair and freshen up is a great way to ensure your business runs well, ultimately saving you money and energy.

AI technology is transforming how businesses operate. By aligning the use of artificial intelligence and energy efficiency goals, you can reduce operating cost.

Emerging small business trends are reshaping how businesses will operate this year and beyond. Technology that was recently only available to larger corporations with big budgets is now within reach of small businesses.

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What is energy waste and how we can reduce it?

Some waste energy examples are: 

An office with lights that don't switch off after employees leave

A factory with leaky pipes 

Will both waste electricity, heat, and other forms of power. Understanding energy wastage definition and what is wasted energy is a key to reducing it by adopting energy saving strategies and technologies. These include replacing inefficient equipment with energy efficient equipment, and installing programmable thermostats to automatically adjust heating and cooling levels based on occupancy.

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How does energy waste affect the environment and why it is important to reduce it?

Reducing wasted energy is good for the environment and good for the bottom line. There are many ways to reduce wasted energy, but what they all have in common is that they will cut your utility bills and your greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. For example, reducing energy waste in manufacturing and improving production line efficiency is essential if manufacturers are to comply with mandatory greenhouse gas emissions regulations. 

So how to use less energy and how to reduce energy waste?

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In addition to reducing the air pollution that is destabilizing our planet’s climate, turning off an extra light or lowering your thermostat saves natural resources like trees, coal, and natural gas. Lastly, wasted energy ultimately harms the biodiversity of animals and plants in our ecosystem by destroying their natural habitats from the extraction of fossil fuels. If we take actions and adopt good practices to reduce wasted energy , we can lower our  carbon emissions footprint and contribute to the fight against pollution and climate change.

How can businesses avoid a waste of energy?

Replacing old equipment is another important step. Swapping older lighting technologies with LED lighting , and replacing inefficient boilers with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units can achieve energy cost savings of up to 70% and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 30%.

Energy management systems can also help, by fitting sensors to electrical equipment to monitor system efficiencies and determine where further energy savings can be made. Battery energy storage systems deliver many benefits including greater energy efficiency, and can therefore help reduce wasted energy by storing electricity generated by a photovoltaic (PV) solar power system for when it is most needed. 

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Waste to Energy A privatised false solution

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• Energy Democracy

In the face of a growing energy crisis and a surging global waste forecasted to increase by 70% by 2050, the Waste to Energy (WtE) industry emerges as a thriving yet controversial player. Explored in this essay are the power dynamics, environmental repercussions, and societal resistance surrounding WtE, examining case studies from India, Lebanon, Denmark, and Slovenia. The narrative delves into the industry's rapid expansion, its privatization challenges, and the potential for sustainable waste management under public control. The essay concludes with recommendations for policymakers and activists navigating the complex landscape of WtE.

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The world is not only facing an energy crisis but it is also increasingly littered: the World Bank predicted that global waste would grow by 70% by 2050 . 1 Waste which is buried, dumped at sea or turned into ash pollutes the environment. These two trends have been used to boost a new and thriving private business: the Waste to Energy (WtE) industry, which has expanded worldwide based on contracts that last for decades, and often for 50 years.  

This essay explores the power relations of waste to energy, exploring its rapid expansion, the industry that drives it, the social and environmental impacts, resistance – and alternatives.   This is explored in several case studies. In India and Lebanon, for example residents, activists and (informal) workers are actively resisting WtE, yet face considerable institutional power that is promoting its expansion of and especially its privatisation. In contrast, there are the possibilities, as explored through the case studies on Denmark and Slovenia, for WtE to offer a sustainable contribution to waste management, when it is publicly owned and controlled. The essay concludes with recommendations on how policy-makers and activists can best address the phenomenal rise of WtE.

The rise of waste to energy

Waste to Energy (WtE) is rising fast. While in 2022 its market size was estimated to be of over US$42 billion this is expected to double by 2032 . 2 Currently around 15% of the of global waste collected is burned in WtE plants, 3 most of which are located in the global North, especially Japan, the US and Europe. 4 In Europe, six countries – Germany, the UK (before Brexit), France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and   Italy account for 75% of the EU’s incineration capacity. 5  

The rise of WtE is a global phenomenon. In Asia there are ever more WtE plants being built. China alone is operating 927 plants . 6 India has 106, Thailand plans to build 79 WtE in the next few years and Indonesia has 17 planned. In Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, WtE is new but also on the rise as several countries have started to experiment with WtE, such as Ethiopia, Ghana and South Africa in Africa and Brazil and Mexico in Latin America. 7

Several big players have entered the WtE market, among them multinational companies that have a long history in waste management. For example, Veolia runs more than 90 WtE plants worldwide and was recently awarded a contract to build the biggest WtE plant in Europe, which has a capacity for 1.1 million tonnes of waste annually. 8   Other major players are China Everbright and the US companies Waste Management Inc. and Covantana. Engineering companies such as the Hitachi Zosen and the Mitsubishi group are also increasingly entering the WtE market. 9  

The WtE business model relies on an increasing volume of waste and has already created a scramble for waste as many of the leading WtE countries need to import waste to fill their incinerators. Sweden, for example, imports almost 800,000 tons of waste annually from the UK, Norway, Italy and Ireland to be able to operate its WtE incinerators. But Italy and the UK, for instance, are rapidly expanding their own WtE industry. Simultaneously, most European countries are developing waste avoidance and recycling strategies supported by EU legislations. This means that Europe could soon run out of enough waste to operate all the existing WtE plants. This has already happened in China since owing to its effective municipal recycling and sorting strategy the country no longer has not enough waste to burn. Hence, in recent years China’s WtE plants have frequently stood idle due to waste shortages. 10  

Waste to Energy: An environmental solution?

Converting waste into energy may sound like a good idea for addressing two environmental problems at the same time: too little clean energy and too much waste. Yet, in reality WtE offers a solution for neither. On the contrary, it facilitates the problem of increasing waste, and it produces little and not very clean energy. 11 In Europe, where WtE is most advanced, it only provided for 5,134 MW in 2022–2023 , less than 3% of the continent’s energy. Due to its low energy productivity even the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP) – the lobby group behind WtE – admitted that WtE makes no sense as an energy source alone . 12

Research undertaken by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) showed that WtE produces 1.2 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of waste it burns . Confirming this, a recent study concluded that the ‘ CO2 emissions from plastic waste-to-energy systems are higher than those from current fossil fuel-based power systems per unit of power generated, even after considering the contribution of carbon capture and storage’. 13 The health of residents living nearby is negatively affected. In China, one study found that hazard-index and cancer-risk figures were above safety levels a kilometre downwind from the incineration plants. 14 A Greenpeace study on WtE in the UK found that WtE plants are more likely to be located in the poorest and most racially mixed areas than in the wealthiest, homogeneous white residential areas. 15 In other words, WtE incinerators deepen health inequalities. Consequently, many people living near to these plants are mobilising and resisting the building and expansion of WtE.  

Moreover, WtE is at odds with the circular economy. This is firstly because WtE plants burn mostly recyclable or compostable waste , almost all of which comes from municipal waste. 16   Secondly, WtE plants require a minimum volume of waste in order to be able to operate. Large-scale incinerators need about 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste a year. As such, WtE creates a dependency on waste, which runs counter to the principles of waste avoidance. UNEP has warned about this ‘ lock in effect ’ through which the need to fill WtE incinerators ‘hamper[s] efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle’. 17 This risk is heightened when WtE is privatised. Incinerators are expensive to build, so for the companies to recover the investment costs and to make profits they usually demand very long-term contracts with municipalities stretching over decades – between 20 and 50 years. These contracts usually bind municipalities to deliver a minimum volume of waste or to pay compensation if they fail to do so (see more on the issue of privatisation below).

Thus, WtE stands in direct contrast to recycling initiatives – formal and informal. The work of informal recycling workers is often forgotten or disregarded. Yet, according to research produced by the International Labour Organization (ILO) there are around 15 and 20 million informal waste workers worldwide who collect , sort and sell and re-use household or commercial/industrial waste on the street, co-operative recycling facilities or in open dumps. 18 While informal waste work is not only both a highly unpleasant and hazardous occupation it provides a means of survival for people and households who often lack other alternatives. In many countries around the world the informal waste workers provide the only form of recycling and often also the only waste collection – and that at no cost to the municipalities. WtE plants that burn recyclable waste are thus taking away their livelihoods. These informal waste workers should be involved in the process of implementing WtE and any other questions regarding solid waste management (SWM) systems. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case. Together with citizens, informal waste workers across the world have therefore organised against WtE. 19

Delhi, India – hazardous emissions and the destruction of the informal circular economy

India has a long history of failed WtE projects. The first attempt was in 1987 in Dehli when a plant was built for US$ 4.4 million by the Danish company Volund Miljotecknik Ltd. The plant was supposed to incinerate 300 tons of municipal solid waste per day to generate 3.75 MW of electricity. In fact, the plant only ran for three weeks. Then it had to shut down as the incoming waste was of inadequate quality (usually calculated in terms of calorific value) for the plant to run.   It attempted to supplement this by adding diesel fuel, but even that failed. 20 

Following the global WtE trend, this experience has not stopped India in persisting with WtE. To date, Delhi alone has three WtE plants. The biggest is the Timarpur-Okhla plant, which was planned for over a decade and started to operate in 2012 and is another Public–Private Partnership (PPP). The plant claims to have the capacity to burn 25% of Delhi’s mixed waste but has been the subject of much controversy.   Residents and activists have raised their concerns for years due to the emissions and health hazards. Indeed, a report by India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted to the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court in September 2020 proved that all three of the WtE plants in Delhi release toxins beyond what is legally permitted. 21 The WtE plants also destroy India’s informal recycling system and threated the employment of about half a million informal waste workers who are making a significant contribution Delhi’s circular economy system. 22 Despite the negative consequences of WtE and the resistance of residents and informal workers India continues to build mostly privatised WtE facilities all over the country. By the end of 2023 India had 109 WtE plants in operation according to Statista. 23  

Beirut, Lebanon – Resistance to WtE

Lebanon has been facing a waste crisis since August 2015. In fact, since the end of the civil war (1975–1990) there has never been a functional waste management system. The government contracted out waste management services without even a call for tender, landfills are overflowing, and much waste has been openly burned and/or just accumulated on the street. Serious environmental damage and air pollution is the consequence and waste spilling over into the Mediterranean is creating global pollution concerns.

The solution to this crisis was thought to be WtE, ignoring citizens who had protested against waste incineration since 1997. A new WtE incinerator was planned to be built in Karantina, an area of Beirut which already suffered from air pollution due to two open-air waste incinerators and the residents suspected that a further WtE incinerator will only worsen and not enhance the situation. 24 The WtE plans went directly against the initiatives to sort the waste and enable recycling. It also ignored the existing informal recycling undertaken mainly by refugees (mostly from Syria) who make a living through such activities. A group of informal recyclers and citizens therefore formed the ‘Waste Management Coalition (WMC)’ to advocate for recycling and sustainable waste disposal in Lebanon. 25

Lebanon’s problematic economic and political situation means it is very reliant on international funding to cover the cost of waste management. The European Union (EU) and the World Bank provided finance for Lebanon to improve its solid waste management (SWM) that mostly involved WtE as well as landfilling. 26 However, a recent study found the 16 SWM facilities that were established through these international grants of €89 million between 2004 and 2017 not only failed to provide local people with improved environmentally friendly waste management but also created the risk of environmental and health hazards – as well as wasting money and incentivising corruption. 27 In June 2023 the EU again allocated €3.7 million to fund a circular economy project implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). 28  

Solutions are desperately needed. Citizens have taken matters into their own hands. To date the protests have stopped the building of the WtE plant in Karantina and a few innovative recycling projects have been established. For example, the ‘Drive Throw’ project has now two recycling stations in Beirut where people can dump their recyclables, for which they are paid in cash. While these stations have managed to collect and sort 450 tons of recyclables, they rely on people having private transport, so it is only a small, wealthy and environmentally conscious element of the population that uses the stations. 29 There have also been projects that recycle glass into traditional Lebanese slim-necked water jugs. 30 Yet, these initiatives are not sufficient to establish a functioning and universal waste management system that Lebanon so desperately needs.

The institutional power behind WtE

The WtE industry is well organised. In Europe, the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP) , the umbrella association of the operators of WtE incinerators, is its most outspoken lobby group. CEWEP represents about 410 plants from 23 European countries and, in its own words, contributes to ‘ European environmental and energy legislation’ through the following:

• ‘Close and permanent contact with the European Institutions
• Careful analysis and proactive contributions to EU environment and energy policy
• Participation in on-going studies (UNEP, OECD and EU)
• Undertaking our own studies, e.g. based on Life Cycle Thinking, composition and recycling of bottom ash etc.’ 

CEWEP also states that it is ‘often in the European Parliament, in order to inform decision makers and the public about Waste-to-Energy’. 31    

In the US, Friends of the Earth revealed that Covanta, one of the biggest WtE companies in North America, lobbied to get billions of dollars in climate funding under the Renewable Fuel Standard. 32 Covanta has for decades advocated for WtE , boasting that it has thereby ‘sustainably diverted over half a billion tons of waste from landfills’. 33    

Not only lobby groups but also the international and regional financial institutions have played a considerable role in the promotion of WtE by financing PPPs with multinational corporations to build and operate WtE plants. As shown in the example of Serbia, the World Bank has not only financed but also advised countries to develop their WtE industry. The European Investment Bank (EIB) also finances several WtE plants, for example the construction of one in Olstyn, Poland in 2021 for €47million . 34   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has helped to facilitate and finance WtE plants in China, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. 35 And 2018, a US$100 million ADB loan financed the PPP between Vietnam and China Everbright to also build a series of WtE plants in Vietnam. 36    

Burning of waste – a largely privatised model

Most of the WtE plants worldwide have been constructed through PPPs. Research has shown that in China that around 80% of the WtE plants have been built and operated through PPPs , with three players holding nearly 50% of the market in 2019 – China Everbright (19.7%) International, Henan City Environment (13.2%) and Shanghai SUS Environment 10.5%). 37   In Germany, Europe’s leading WtE country, most of the plants are completely privatised ; 95% are run via PPPs and only 5% are in public ownership. 38 Also, in Sweden and Italy WtE is mostly fully privatised or operated via PPPs, as it is in the UK 39 and the US.

Only very few countries have public ownership of WtE, for example Austria and Denmark. A recent academic study compared private and public ownership of WtE and concluded that ‘private ownership generally leads to inefficiencies’ 40 . This can be seen from the experience of two cities – Belgrade and Ljubljana – which illustrates that public ownership and control is essential for a holistic waste management system that allows the prioritisation of environmental concerns over profit.

Furthermore, the example of Denmark, showed that when it is in public ownership WtE can be adjusted according to the country’s needs. Developing waste prevention and recycling schemes alongside WtE treatment meant that by 2018 Denmark had to import nearly a million tons of waste. 41 Consequently, it decided to reduce its incineration capacity by 30% by 2030, with the closure of seven incinerators in order to expand recycling. These decisions were enabled by the fact that Denmark’s incinerators are in public ownership and hence the country is not facing legal lawsuits for compensation due to the decision to close the plants.  

Belgrade, Serbia – privatised WtE hampers recycling

In Serbia the introduction of WtE has become a barrier for developing the country’s recycling capacity. The privatised WtE came into being through a PPP contract signed with the Suez-Itochu consortium in 2017 for a duration of 25 years for the provision of municipal waste treatment and disposal services, with WtE at the core of the contract. It was then the largest PPP contract in Serbia and had an estimated value of €957 million over the course of the contract. The PPP was financed through loans from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). The World Bank not only financed WtE but it also advised the city authorities on the legal, regulatory, technical and financial aspects of the project as well as on the public procurement procedures and the selection of the bidder. In other words, the World Bank enabled and shaped the conditions of the privatised WtE in Serbia. According to the contract Belgrade is obliged to deliver around 66% of the city’s municipal waste. The contract also stated that the WtE plant would incinerate municipal waste without prior sorting, thus ruling out the development of a recycling system. This even meant that the EIB, which had first offered support for the PPP, withdrew from the project as it recognised that it would prevent Serbia from achieving the EU’s recycling and circular economy objectives. 42 Yet the deal went ahead anyway without the EU’s financial support. The introduction of WtE is not only a barrier to effective recycling but it is also jeopardising Serbia’s prospects of entering the EU, as EU member states have a binding obligation to recycle at least 60% of municipal waste. Currently, there is no functioning formal recycling system in Serbia (official recycling rates were as low as 0.4 % in 2019. 43 Most recycling is carried out by the informal sector (European Environment Agency, November 2021). Hence, the current WtE project in Serbia also means that, as in other countries (see the example of India and Lebanon below) there is a risk that WtE will also destroy the existing informal recycling system.  

Ljubljana, Slovenia – WtE can work when in public ownership

In contrast, Ljubljana in Slovenia demonstrates that WtE can indeed make a valuable contribution to waste management, when not competing with waste prevention and recycling, but when there is a holistic approach to waste management. Slovenia was for a long time quite the opposite of a good practice case in relation to waste management. Yet, this changed. Between 2006 and 2017, Slovenia managed to achieve the most significant reduction in landfilled municipal waste in the EU, cutting it by almost 70%.  

Now Ljubljana is also branded as Europe’s zero waste capital, with Slovenia pioneering in waste prevention and recycling. For example, the city operates packaging-free vending machines for basic household items, and it is a nationwide obligation for all municipal institutions to use toilet roll that is produced from re-cycled milk and juice packaging. 44

When Slovenia introduced WtE this went in line with these circular economy practices rather than destroying or competing with them. The country constructed a modern waste management treatment plant that served 37 municipalities in central Slovenia and processes over 170,000 tonnes of waste annually. The plant, the Regional Centre for Waste Management (RCERO), which started to operate in 2015, strictly follows the waste hierarchy – waste avoidance, recycling and composting, waste to energy and then landfill. So, the waste is recycled through mechanical treatment and is used to produce solid fuel and organic waste is composted. Some unrecyclable materials are processed into fuel, which has a similar calorific value to brown coal. WtE is used for the rest of the waste that cannot be otherwise re-purposed and the waste that is not suitable for WtE is used for landfill.  

Such a holistic waste management system needs to be motivated by more than a profit. Recycling and composting are more labour-intensive and less profitable than WtE. The RCERO plant was facilitated through public funding with 66% (€77.6 million) coming from the EU Cohesion Fund and the remainder from the national and local government, the construction of the treatment plant was completed in October 2015.  

The example of Ljubljana shows that when waste management is publicly owned and operated it facilitates an integrated system where waste prevention can go hand in hand with recycling as well as WtE, rather than having these three aspects of waste management competing with each other for profit.45

Industrial lobby groups, multinational companies and financial institutions, like the World Bank and the ADB, have promoted WtE as a sustainable alternative to landfill and as a solution for the overwhelming need for waste management in many parts of the world. However, as this essay demonstrates WtE is, in fact, not so environmentally friendly. The first aspect that policy-makers and activists need to be aware of is that WtE, contrary to what the name suggests, does not produce much energy (and the energy it produces is heating rather than electricity so it is a less useful energy source for hot countries). Due to the high emissions of WtE incineration – higher than from other fossil fuelled energy production – it is certainly not a source of green or renewable energy.  

The second aspect of which activists and policy-makers need to be aware is that it creates the need for increasing volumes of waste, because WtE plants need a certain volume of waste in order to operate. Many of the countries with an established WtE industry are already heavily dependent on importing waste, leading for a scramble for waste. This is especially severe as it is often recyclable waste that gets burned in WtE energy plants (the plants need a certain calorific value in order to operate and plastic and paper, for example, are high in calorific value). Hence, even the UN and the EU have advised countries to reduce their WtE capacity.

Thirdly, WtE plants create environmental and health risks. They release not only emissions but also toxins that cause health risks for the people living nearby.  

Fourthly, policy-makers need to recognise that many places where WtE was introduced it deprived many informal recycling workers of their livelihood. While informal recycling work should not be glorified as it is both unpleasant and hazardous, it is securing the livelihood of millions of people. These informal workers are making a tremendous contribution to recycling in many countries.

Currently, most WtE plants across the world are privatised (either fully or via a PPP contract). This means that the municipalities have contractual obligations with the private providers to deliver a certain volume of waste or pay compensation. This directly goes against any waste-reduction efforts. Denmark, on the other hand, where WtE is mostly in public ownership, was able to shut down some of its WtE plants in order to incentivise waste prevention and recycling while reducing its dependence on imported waste.  

The case of Slovenia provides an example of a holistic waste management system that strictly follows the waste hierarchy (waste prevention, recycling and composting, waste to energy, landfilling) when waste management is in public ownership and control.

This essay thus suggests that WtE needs to be in public ownership so that it can be part of a comprehensive approach to waste management that addresses the need of the environment and citizens: local residents, the public that needs a functioning waste management system and the workers (formal and informal) who deal with the waste.

Abou the author

Vera Weghmann is a researcher at the Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU) at the University of Greenwich, focused on public services, in particular privatisation, remunicipalisation, renationalisation, public sector financing and public sector reforms. Vera has been involved in independent trade unionism in the UK since 2012, she is the co-founder of the United Voices of the Word union and has been involved in the creation of the Independent Workers of Great Britain union.

Notes and sources

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  Hockenos, P. (2021) ‘EU climate ambitions spell trouble for electricity from burning waste’. https:// www.cleanenergywire.org/news/eu-climate-ambitions-spell-trouble-electri…

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  https://news.mongabay.com/2022/12/as-waste-to-energy-incinerators-sprea…

  Veolia (2023) ‘Decarbonization: Veolia becomes the operator of Turkey's first waste-to-energy production site’ 21 April,   https://www.veolia.com/sites/g/files/dvc4206/files/document/2023/04/pr-…

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  Jaganmohan, M. (2024) ‘Installed waste energy capacity in Europe 2010-2022’ 2 February. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122054/europe-waste-to-energy-capa…

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 Kwon, S., Kang, J., Lee, B., Hong, S., Jeon, Y., Bak, M. and Im, S.K., 2023. Nonviable carbon neutrality with plastic waste-to-energy.  Energy & Environmental Science ,  16 (7), pp.3074-3087.

 Boré, A., Cui, J., Huang, Z., Huang, Q., Fellner, J. and Ma, W., 2022. Monitored air pollutants from waste-to-energy facilities in China: Human health risk, and buffer distance assessment.  Atmospheric Pollution Research ,  13 (7), p.101484.

  Roy, I. (2020) ‘UK waste incinerators three times more likely to be in poorer areas’. https://unearthed . greenpeace.org/2020/07/31/waste-incinerators-deprivation-map-recycling/

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 Shree, D. (2023) The challenges in generating power from non-recyclables, 18 March.   https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/the-challenges-in-generating-power-from-non-recyclables-1201194.html he challenges in generating power from non-recyclables (deccanherald.com)

 Meghani, S. (2023) Is there a role for informal waste pickers in the new waste economy?, 1 July. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/developing-contemporary-india…

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https://www.statista.com/statistics/1061462/india-solid-waste-treatment…

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  The World Bank (2022) ‘Lebanon: US$8.86 million Grant to Support Solid Waste Management and Reduce Public Health and Environmental Impacts’ https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/12/20/lebanon-us-8…

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   Oyinloye, A. (2020)’ From window to jug: Lebanese recycle glass from Beirut blast’ https://www.africanews.com/2020/09/06/from-window-to-jug-lebanese-recyc…

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  EIB (2018) Olsztyn Waste-to-Energy plant. OLSZTYN WASTE-TO-ENERGY PLANT (eib.org)

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  ADB (2018) ‘ Creating an Enabling Environment for Public–Private Partnerships in Waste-to-Energy Projects’ https://www.adb.org/publications/ppp-waste-to-energy-projects

 Cui, C., Liu, Y., Xia, B., Jiang, X. and Skitmore, M., 2020. Overview of public-private partnerships in the waste-to-energy incineration industry in China: Status, opportunities, and challenges.  Energy Strategy Reviews ,  32 , p.100584.

  Weghmann, V (2021)  Daseinsvorsorge und Rekommunalisierung. Eine Handreichung . Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung. https://www.rosalux.de/publikation/id/45138/daseinsvorsorge-und-rekommu…

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13 ways you're wasting electricity that are costing you

If you want to save some cash while also saving the environment , it's important to be aware of your energy usage. There are many hidden ways you might be wasting precious electricity and adding to your monthly utility bill .

Here are a few ways you could be wasting energy without even realizing it.

You hold the refrigerator door open while you decide what to eat.

Trying to cobble together a decent meal from the leftovers and random sauces in your refrigerator? Don't just stand there gazing into the glow.

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences estimates that 7% of a refrigerator's total energy use is the result of opening its doors. Though you obviously need to open your fridge to grab food, try to plan meals ahead or after taking a quick glance inside.

You stash warm leftovers in the fridge.

According to building-science consultant Michael Blasnik, placing hot food in the fridge is the worst thing you can do if you want to keep your refrigerator running efficiently.

"You could open the refrigerator door hundreds of times before you'd waste the energy you do by putting a pot of hot soup into the refrigerator," Blasnik told Phys.org.

You leave your appliances plugged in when you're not using them.

It might seem like a chore to plug in your microwave every time you need to heat up some leftovers then unplug it when you're done, but leaving your gadgets connected to power at all times wastes electricity.

According to the Department of Energy, electronics and appliances use energy even when they're turned off . That's true of phone chargers, laptops, televisions, curling irons, and kitchen appliances.

Connecting your devices to a power strip can make it easier to turn off multiple unused items in one go.

You don't use the lids that came with your pots and pans.

The next time you're whipping up something tasty on the stove, remember to use a lid.

According to the Department of Energy, covering what you're cooking means that the food will cook faster , which allows you to use less energy in the process. Matching the size of the pan to the size of the heating element is also a good energy-saving strategy.

Your TV is set to full brightness.

Unless you typically watch your favorite shows in a super bright space, you can probably stand to turn down the brightness on your television. In fact, the Department of Energy has advised that switching your set to the "home" or "standard" setting can  reduce your TV's energy usage by up to 30%.

You run your dishwasher when it's not full.

The average dishwasher uses about 1,800 watts of electricity to complete one wash and dry cycle. That's about $66 per year if you run your dishwasher once daily, according to the online tool EnergyUseCalculator.com .

You can save serious money on your electric bill if you make sure to only use your dishwasher when it's completely full. If you just need to clean a few cups and plates, you're better off giving them a quick scrub in the sink.

And you use your dishwasher's drying cycle.

According to the US Department of Energy, your dishwasher's drying cycle is a sneaky energy waster.

Rather than using valuable energy to dry your dishes, simply transfer them to a drying rack on your counter or give them a quick wipe with a clean dishcloth. You can even just open the dishwasher door and allow the dishes to dry in place before putting them away.

You wash your clothes in hot water.

Most modern washing machines can actually get your clothes perfectly clean with cool water.

According to Energy Star, a government-backed energy-efficiency program, water heating uses about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. If you're trying to eliminate oily stains, washing with warm (not hot) water will do the trick.

You're not using a programmable thermostat.

Homeowners looking to lower their energy bills should consider replacing older, outdated thermostats with modern, programmable versions. These allow you to make sure you're not heating or cooling an empty house during the workday.

If you opt for a smart thermostat, such as Nest , you can control the temperature remotely in case you wind up arriving home later than usual.

You take really long showers.

We all know how tempting it can be to linger under a hot shower on a chilly morning. However, those extra minutes in the steaming water can add up when it comes to your energy bill.

According to the Department of Energy, water heating can amount to 12% of a household's energy bill . Try hopping out of the shower sooner to cut back on energy waste, or consider adding a low-flow aerator to your shower head to reduce the water flow.

You're not clearing out your air vents.

If your heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning system relies on air vents, you could be wasting energy by not keeping those vents clean.

Clogged or dirty vents means that it takes more energy to heat or cool your home, according to the Department of Energy. Even scarier, letting debris build up in your vents can also lead to mold growth or vermin. 

You're still using incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs aren't very energy efficient . In fact, they haven't been manufactured in the US since 2014, and governments around the world have begun to phase them out entirely.

Halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use between 25% and 85% less energy . They also last 25 times longer. 

Your freezer chest is on but empty.

Buying in bulk and freezing groceries for the future is a good way to save some cash, but running a stand-alone freezer on empty is akin to throwing those savings down the drain.

On average, a modern chest freezer consumes about 200 watts per day , which translates to about $14 per month, according to EnergyUseCalculator.com . If there's no food inside your stand-alone freezer, you're jacking up your monthly energy bill for no reason.

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