FOSSIL fuels have no doubt been the most used source of energy in our development.  Used in the forms of petroleum, coal or natural gas, they have been used to produce the commodities in today’s world that most would consider basic needs. Energy from fossil fuels provides us with electricity in our homes, fuel for transportation, and power in our production industries. Energy from fossil fuels is certainly a demand but just how much of this resource, hidden deep under the Earth’s surface, do we have left? The fact is – not a lot. Fossil fuels are becoming harder and harder to find and are considered a non-renewable resource. More so, this source of energy has been associated with having a negative impact on the health of the environment and more specifically, has significantly contributed to Climate Change.
It is no wonder then that great effort is made to use other sources of energy which, when compared to fossil fuels, have  minimal environmental impact. Such alternative energy sources are being obtained from the natural elements in the environment such as the Sun (Solar), Wind, Water (Hydropower), Steam (Geothermal) and even Tidal action (wave).
The alternatives to fossil fuels all have one very important feature in common – they are all renewable sources of energy and do not produce carbon emissions. Renewable energy is far more beneficial for the environment than fossil fuels and the use of renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines will lead to cost savings, a healthier environment and can be utilised by both households and businesses.
We all need energy to live comfortable and happy lives. While our primary source of energy is fossil fuels, efforts are being made to utilise renewable energy as is evident by the installation of solar panels on homes, especially in the interior regions, and investment in the Amaila Falls Hydro-electric Project here in Guyana. Meanwhile, we can all make a conscious effort to conserve energy in our daily activities by better managing our consumption of electricity in our homes and work places. Here are some tips for energy conservation that we can easily adopt:

–    Switch to using energy-saving bulbs;
–    Purchase appliances with the Energy Star logo;
–    Turn off and unplug appliances that are not being used;
–    Collect rainwater for use;
–    Open windows and make use of natural light.

These simple actions can certainly help you to contribute to protecting the environment while at the same time saving us some money.

Can you spot the seven (7) differences between the images below?

You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com