Free Universal Energy: A Collective Journey Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow - Part 2
Co-authored with Caleb Thorburn
The journey towards embracing Free Universal Energy is not an isolated endeavor but a collective effort that involves governments, industries, communities, and individuals alike. By working together, we can achieve a future powered by clean, renewable energy - a future where humanity and the planet can flourish in harmony. However, this ideal solution to universal energy begs the question of how people, in their regular lives, can go about taking action to support this big picture goal?
How can one person, who has no experience of the engineering, politics, and science of renewable energy possibly contribute to the grandiose mission of creating a world where energy is free to all, sustainable, and adds value to our personal health? This is the question I asked my co-author, Caleb Thorburn as I was trying to grasp his vision of the future of sustainability. He proceeded to outline some important strategies that we need to take in our individual lives to contribute to and support the progression into an environmentally sustainable and energy efficient world. Here’s what you can do:
Big Picture Ways to Engage
Individuals can support Free Universal Energy by adopting energy-efficient practices at home, advocating for renewable energy policies, and investing in renewable energy technologies such as solar panels for their homes.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about energy issues, renewable technologies, and sustainable practices. Understanding the complexities of the energy system allows for better decision-making and informed advocacy. The following resource from Purdue University outlines 45 sustainability resources that can contribute to your learning and help you get involved in your local communities.
Choose responsible companies: Support businesses and companies that prioritize sustainability and responsible energy practices (whether as an investor or consumer). This can be done through purchasing products and services from eco-friendly companies and avoiding those with poor environmental records (see greenwashing). Ethical investing calls organizations to pursue social and environmental practices that are supportive of a just and sustainable future. Money makes the world go ‘round, so put your money where you want to see change.
Energy conservation: Practicing energy conservation in daily activities, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances (IRS article describing how your transition to energy-efficient appliances can be tax deductible), and adjusting thermostats to save energy can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the greater goal of universal energy access. It may seem like a drop in the ocean, but when millions of individuals take similar actions, the collective impact can be transformative.
Advocacy, Awareness, and Voting: Beyond personal actions, advocating for renewable energy policies is crucial. Engaging with local governments, participating in community forums, and supporting renewable energy initiatives can amplify our impact and bring about change on a larger scale. Raise your voice, attend town hall meetings, and collaborate with like-minded individuals to push for policies that prioritize sustainability and universal energy access. Here’s an article written by the Dean of Claremont Lincoln University about how you can engage in paving the way toward positive change with local government.
A Case for Sustainable Living
The benefits of a sustainable lifestyle extend beyond environmental conservation. Embracing renewable energy can power our connections, work, and education by allowing us to interface with others and information wherever we are. Energy fosters a sense of independence and opens up new possibilities for hobbies and leisure activities. Furthermore, committing yourself to advancing renewable energy creation, distribution, and consumption can serve as a way to transcend self-interest and instill a sense of purpose, as we realize that our actions can positively impact our family, our friends, strangers, and our planet.
Living sustainably does not mean making sacrifices.
On the contrary, it can enhance our lives in numerous ways. It can allow us to appreciate the beauty of nature by conserving land and connecting us more with the natural world. The renewable energy revolution is an aim for social evolution -- we better ourselves and the world, and contribute to the wellness of our children and people in generations to come. As an added bonus for those who are motivated by cost-efficiency, renewable energy saves you money on utility bills (as much as $500 annually). Above all, it can prompt us to reflect on our ethics and consider how our lifestyle choices affect the world around us.
As we continue to pave the way for a more sustainable world, I invite you to reflect on this: How can you contribute to this journey towards universal energy access and sustainability? What changes can you make in your own life to help us move closer to this vision? Your thoughts and insights are always welcome in the comments section below.