We are all aware that our natural resources are limited, which careless use endangers our surroundings, wildlife, and even ourselves. A while ago, I discussed conserving water and its importance to birds, including how our different water sources are connected. But even as important, and in some ways even more so, is electricity.
From our frivolous gadgets and gizmos to heating and cooling, refrigeration, critical medical equipment, entertainment options, computers, stoplights, and 1,000,000 other things, electricity runs our lives. There are many sources of electricity, and while some are “safer” or “greener” than others, none are 100% ideal for wildlife.
- Hazardous gasses are pumped into the atmosphere by coal-fired electrical plants, which produce toxic byproducts. Extensive mining, fracking, and other damaging methods of securing fuel to convert to electricity are required by these plants.
- Nuclear power plants run the chance of highly toxic contamination from waste that can’t be cleaned, recycled, or refined. Should an accident occur, the contamination can persist for several years and spread aloof from the initial site.
- If improperly placed, solar panels can start fires or burn wildlife, including birds. On the other hand, solar plants require large panel arrays that usurp habitat. The manufacture of solar panels may produce environmental toxins.
- Wind turbines pose dangerous collision risks to birds and bats and fragment habitats as well. The simplest places for turbines also are a number of the worst for birds, including key points in migratory flyways and passage points for flying birds.
- Affecting nearby habitats, water resources may be diverted from their natural courses by Hydroelectric plants. This can be particularly tragic within the tropical regions where a number of the foremost suitable rivers flow and more birds are displaced.
I will not suggest we must live without electricity completely, nor do I even think to try and do so would be possible. However, we lower the demand for fuel sources if we lower our electricity use, That lowers the necessity for more power plants of any variety, which ultimately can help lower the impact that any kind of station can wear on the environment, habitat, and wildlife.
ALSO READ: Preserving Wildlife in Your Own Ways
Not everyone will have the identical options or possibilities to lower their electricity use, but like the methods that you can find in the Easy DIY Power Plan, options that work on behalf of me include…
- Using natural light the maximum amount as possible instead of turning on lights.
- Unscrewing extra bulbs on ceiling fans, so that they don’t light.
- Turning lights and ceiling fans off once they aren’t any longer needed.
- When not in use, unplug large electronics, including the TV and DVD player.
- Unplugging all computers and electronics when traveling and that they won’t be used.
- Adjusting the house temperature to personalized levels to save lots of power.
- Using window coverings to assist control solar heating and cooling.
- Recharging devices only if the batteries are low, not plugging them altogether the time.
- Only running large appliances when full and minimizing microwave use.
- Not leaving outdoor lights on all night long.
- Avoiding unnecessary “powered” gadgets – employing a manual tin opener, razors, and toothbrushes.
Each one of those steps may only be a little one, but they add up to an honest little bit of electricity conservation (and smaller electrical bills to boot). In some small way, that does help wildlife, and it raises my very own mindfulness about the resources I take advantage of and the way I take advantage of them. Not just birds, but all wildlife can benefit by doing so.