Energy Efficiency Can Reduce Our Carbon Consumption Rates

We all know that nearly everything we own uses energy, required energy to make it, etc. What can we do about reducing the energy input into everything? EFFICIENCY!! Everything from our automobiles to our home appliances to our light bulbs to our computers all have electrical efficiency ratings! We need to be conscious consumers, invest a little bit of time and research into the products we buy to find out how energy efficient they are. Not only personal change is necessary. We need the big corporations of industry to step it up as well. They need to produce more efficient processes in their factories, and the way they provide services. For example, electrical power companies could focus on their power plant emissions and increasing the efficiency of creating the actual electricity. Not only this, approximately 10% of the electricity produced is lost in the power lines! 10%!Finding better materials for power lines in terms of conduction seems like it would benefit the power company itself and in fact pay for itself within a little period of time! The difference we could make just by ourselves investing time, same with corporations across the country, would be huge! Efficiency is a great thing. We need to enforce strict efficiency guidelines across the country. The ability to be more efficient would mean less energy/electricity to be used! The less energy used, the less dependence on oil and other non-renewable resources of energy. The New York Times article Efficiency, Not Just Alternatives, Is Promoted as an Energy Saver promotes this philosophy stating efficiency is part of the big picture and that it is about as important as creating electricity from renewable resources in the here and now picture. The article at one point states " 'Efficiency is the steak,'... 'Renewables are the sizzle.' " The fact is, most businesses are not willing to invest money into increasing efficiency for their companies, worrying about when they will see returns in their investments. It is imperative that the government impose stricter guidelines on big industry. It is also important to realize that on a personal level, we can all make a difference individually as a consumer. As our world works its way into a sustainable way, higher EFFICIENCY must always be considered and will improve all of our lives if achieved.