Environment Effects of Energy in the Philippines

The Philippines currently uses a higher ratio of fossil fuels as source of energy compared to other possible sources. The choice of using fossil fuels means every kilowatt of energy being consumed is equivalent to 0.59 kg of carbon emissions to the atmosphere.

What is the environmental impact of carbon emissions? Carbon emissions is one of the leading cause of Global Warming, as it absorbs and retains heat in the atmosphere. Worse yet, carbon emissions is also the leading cause of smog in many developed cities, which also leads to many diseases.

But carbon dioxide is also a vital ingredient for plants. Plants breathe carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, which we need. There has to be a balance if we want to live in a healthy environment.

What is more important and urgent when it comes to fossil fuels is not only the carbon emissions, but there are many other components in burning fossil fuels to the atmosphere that can cause more severe problems to health and the environment. There are part of Mercury, Sulfur, and other elements.

What then, is the best way to minimize the impact of energy to the environment? What is then the best way to save energy and only use what is needed?

The core point in this situation is to understand how much energy is being used in different parts of our infrastructure. Some of the most surprising points would be that water dispensers, which we only use for 1 hour a day at home, actually consumes 400 watts. Imagine the impact of a water dispenser for residential use. We might not feel or understand the source of this wasted energy, but it can use as much as the entire lighting being CFL at home.

Other areas of wasted energy are appliances put on "standby" and adaptors/chargers. Each charger left plugged in can consume around 3 watts of energy. Old appliances like entertainment systems left on standby can consume a whopping 20 watts of energy, a surprising blow given that majority of these appliances are used up to 3 hours a day maximum.

It is therefore vital that energy is understood and monitored to know just how much energy is truly necessary in our facility/residence. Look for appliances that are not needed and unplug them. Get energy strips with switches that can be turned off for appliances rather than being left on standby.

You would be surprised. A well managed energy use not only saves the environment, but up to 20% of energy consumption.