MOKI THE MO'O SAYS...
Renewable energy is energy that comes from a resource that will be around for a long, long time. Fossil fuels like coal and oil are limited energy resources because they may become scarce if we are not careful in how we use them. Renewable energy comes from sources like the sun, wind, stored water in dams (this is called hydro-electricity), ocean waves, heat from volcanic activity stored underground (this is called geo-thermal energy) and fast growing plants or algae that can be turned into oil or ethanol. We can even turn garbage or oil that was used for cooking into energy.
In Hawaii, we need to be extra careful in what we use for energy and in how we use energy. Bringing a lot of non-renewable fuels like oil to Hawaii means we have to ship the oil from elsewhere. We don’t have any fossil fuel resources here in Hawaii, so we have to import fossil fuel. This is not a good thing in the long run because it costs a lot of money and uses more oil just to bring it here. As oil becomes scarcer, the price will go up. Also, if the oil spills on the way here or when it is taken off the ship, sea life will suffer and the ocean will become dirty.
There are many definitions on sustainability. Basically sustainability is the practice of using only what we need and not being wasteful. Practicing sustainability means recycling things that can be used again like aluminum cans, paper goods, and glass bottles. Another sustainable practice is to not waste water when you are taking a shower or brushing your teeth. Not littering is an easy way to practice sustainability. Turning off the light when you don’t need it – that’s practicing sustainability too.
Another important sustainable practice is what kind of energy we use and how we use it. Having a solar water heater to make hot water is a good sustainable practice because a solar water heater uses the sun’s heat to make hot water. A solar water heating system hardly uses any electricity – just a little bit for a pump. Not using a lot of electricity and using a renewable energy resource like the sun to make the hot water is definitely a sustainable practice. Solar water heating also saves money because there is no electricity or gas to pay for taking a hot bath and washing dishes or clothes. Using energy efficient lights and appliances are also a good way to practice sustainability.
Other sustainable practices:
- Use renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels
- Use recycled materials for building materials
- Use wood that comes from a place where trees are replanted as the trees are harvested
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