5 Ways to Reduce Our Fossil Fuel Dependence

Like it or not, but the effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent with each passing year, and if we don’t act fast, the damage done will be irreversible. In order to address climate change and other environmental impacts, reducing our reliance upon coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels is vital. 

In the US alone, fossil fuel accounts for more than 81% of our energy consumption. This has been the case for more than a century. Burning fossil fuels has been linked with a wide range of environmental impacts, including climate change, pollution, global warming, and the destruction of natural habitats. 

Fossil fuels are non-renewable, which means that once they’re gone, they’re gone. Eventually, we’re going to have to find a greener, sustainable alternative. But what can we do at home to help?

Here are 5 ways to help reduce our dependence upon fossil fuels.

Switch to Electric Vehicles

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the use of electric vehicles (EV) in recent years. One thing that is for certain, however, is the fact that they’re becoming more common on roads all over the developed world. But is that enough? Not yet. 

Electric vehicles are considered much more eco-friendly and are one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels that we could wish for. Rather than using gasoline/petroleum/diesel for fuel, these vehicles are instead powered by electricity. Instead of fueling up at the gas station, you charge your vehicle’s battery.

One thing I find even more promising is the fact that the electricity used to charge these vehicles is generated through renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. 

Make Use of Biofuels

Instead of fossil fuels, which produce vast amounts of air pollution, we should instead use biofuels whenever possible. 

Biofuels are sources of energy made from organic waste such as plant matter, sugar cane, and vegetable oil. They produce far fewer emissions, they’re sustainable, and they can be used instead of fossil fuels such as diesel.

LED Light Bulbs

Rather than using regular incandescent light bulbs, a great way to reduce energy consumption is to utilize LED light bulbs in the home instead. 

LEDs utilize around 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. The fact that they use less energy means less energy has to be produced via fossil fuels to power them. If we all switched to LEDs in the home, we’d dramatically reduce the amounts of fossil fuels being burnt to power them. 

While we’re on the subject of lighting around the home, make sure you switch off light bulbs. This will not only save energy, but it will also cut down your utilities bills as well. 

Check Your Printer Cartridges

We all know how useful printers can be, both at home and in the workplace, but did you know that the inks used in older cartridges are petroleum-based? 

When you purchase printer cartridges for your printer, only buy those which contain inks made from eco-friendly, sustainable products. Soybeans, for example, can be used to produce soy ink, which is better for the environment. 

Use More Solar Around the Home

Solar panels around the home are becoming increasingly popular, and rightly so. Solar panels harness power from the sun and use it to generate electricity. 

By using solar panels, you can use a natural energy source, instead of purchasing electricity from power plants that burn fossil fuels to generate the power. Although you originally have to invest in solar panels and setups, it isn’t long before they pay for themselves. Take it from me, as I’m speaking with firsthand experience.