Читать книгу The Self-Sufficiency Handbook - Alan Bridgewater - Страница 29

Our reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuel—coal, gas, and oil—is dangerous. We know that it has got to stop. We know that we cannot go on spending our energy capital. That said, it is also plain to see that we cannot easily go back to the way it was. Most people are hooked on using their cars, buying food out of season, buying cheap clothing from abroad, and all the other activities that are eating away at our global energy reserves. So what can we do?

The answer is for each of us to try, as individuals, to cut back on our use of fossil fuels in favor of renewable natural energy sources: sun, wind, earth, and water. We cannot make the change in one fell swoop, but we can at least try to achieve a balance by generating as much energy as we can from these renewable sources. And it is possible.

Let us say, for example, that at this moment you are running your home on gas from the grid by using a gas-fired boiler for heating and cooking. You could start by super-insulating the inside walls and attic of your home. If the recommended thickness in the attic space is 6 inches (15 cm), increase it to 12 inches (30 cm). Use thicker curtains. Install a log-fired stove for heating the house, and install solar panels on your roof.

These measures might seem a bit tame, but the end result would be that the greater part of your energy needs would come from renewable sources. Of course, if we all made lots of little changes, such as those in the following list, then we would be three parts there.

• Wear suitable clothes according to the season. For example, if you are cold, put on another layer of clothes rather than turning up the heat.

• Wear more energy-efficient natural fibers, such as wool to keep you warm and cotton and linen to keep you cool.

• Improve the insulation in the attic, in the walls, and under the floor.

• Install double- or triple-pane windows.

• Hang thick, insulated curtains in the winter.

• Draft-proof around all doors and windows.

• In the winter, improve solar gain by fully opening the curtains during the daytime and closing them tightly at night.

• In the summer, open windows or draw blinds to keep cool rather than turning on electrical cooling systems.

• Cut back on your use of electrical appliances and gadgets.

• Settle for lower lighting levels. Only light the room or even the small space you are using.

• Shelter the house on the windward side with trees, hedges, and wooden panels.

• Install porches or conservatories on the exterior doors.

• Walk to local shops, school, church, or friends’ houses.

Warm layers and blankets are a green solution to keeping warm.