As a global society, we generate and use more energy than ever before, and the demand for energy is continuously increasing. While we have been able to expand energy production to keep up with demand, there are physical, geographical, and economic limits to how much can be produced. One of the ways to deal with the constantly expanding need for energy and the issues it brings is to focus on energy conservation. Energy conservation means reducing the consumption of energy by using less of it. This could be in the form of using fewer energy services or using devices that require less energy or refraining from using those services is another way to conserve energy, but this can also be done by using more energy efficient products designed to consume less energy. Energy conservation is a big part of sustainability and sustainable development.

Increasing use of energy sources can pose a threat to our surroundings like greenhouse gas emissions that accompany many forms of energy generation are accumulating in the atmosphere, bringing the potential for climate-related consequences.

Ways to conserve energy

There are many methods to save energy. Most of these involve refraining from using energy-consuming devices whenever possible, while some rely on energy efficient products and practices. Here are some simple ways we can conserve energy and become more energy efficient-

• Provided that energy cannot be created or destroyed, energy conservation is about conserving it rather than eliminating it. One of the most effective methods to conserve energy is to turn things down that require a lot of heat or energy. Heating a home or office takes a lot of energy, and even turning the thermostat down by a degree or two can create energy savings equivalent to taking several cars off the road.
• Some things are better to turn off completely, as they use energy even when not being actively used. Turning off a ceiling fan or air conditioner when leaving a room helps a great deal to conserve energy, as does shutting off the television when nobody is watching it. Appliances such as televisions, computers also draw energy from the power grid when plugged into a wall even when they are shut off. To reduce energy usage, one should make sure these devices are completely unplugged and not connected to a power source when not in use.
• Substituting certain devices for others is one way of practicing energy efficiency to achieve energy conservation. Some items and devices we need to use on a daily basis, but swapping them for more energy efficient versions could result in valuable energy savings. For example, one could change to more energy-efficient appliances i.e., from regular shower head to a low-flow version that reduces the amount of heated water one need. If we’re looking for a new car, we may consider an electric car or more energy efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid or small economy car. Moreover, one can also think about installing solar energy water heaters and heat pumps in the home. From small changes to more substantial substitutes, every new energy-saving habit we adopt can make big difference in the long run for the environment.

Thus, energy conservation is incredibly important for several reasons. Along with reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy resources (like fossil fuels), it also helps save our money on energy costs, including utility bills. Conserving energy also cuts down on expanding development where natural resource extraction (such as oil or even lithium) is impacting natural areas. When we conserve energy and use it more efficiently, we directly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions entering the Earth’s atmosphere. So this National Energy Conservation Day, let us be a little more responsible and aware towards saving our planet as well preserving it for us along with future generation.