# Energy Change: A Key to Environmental Sustainability

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/energy-change-a-key-to-environmental-sustainability/
- Published: 2021-05-28T10:56:17-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

Let’s talk about an interesting energy change! For it’s energy that does sit at 
the heart of any discussion. That’s especially on energy that’s environmentally 
friendly. A European Environment Agency rounded up the impact energy has on the 
natural environment and really lays out how heavy the burden is. [Energy impacts air pollution](https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/glossary/eea-glossary/environmental-impact-of-energy),
climate change, water pollution, solid waste disposal, and more. Accordingly, any
conscientious [individual](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/energy-efficiency-must-be-a-key-emissions-reduction-strategy-say-leading-efficiency-groups/)
looking to improve their impact on the environment [should look to energy first](https://greenlivingguy.com/books-services-prices/solar-power-4-your-home/)
before anything else.⌊Minor Changes in home for energy efficiency⌉

## Energy Saving Technology

Energy-saving technology plays a [pivotal role](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/energy-department-rings-in-the-new-year-with-new-efficiency-standards-for-lighting-and-ice-makers/)
in addressing contemporary environmental challenges by significantly reducing energy
consumption across various sectors. Through innovations such as [LED lighting](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/worlds-smartest-led-light-bulb-exclusively-through-apple-stores-called-philips-hue/),
smart thermostats, and efficient appliances, this technology not only curtails waste
but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, advancements in building materials and insulation enhance the energy efficiency
of homes and commercial buildings, contributing to long-term cost savings and environmental
sustainability. Embracing these technologies fosters a more resilient and eco-conscious
future, where reduced energy demand supports [global efforts toward mitigating climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/global-warming-change-a-small-few-non-believers-say-no/)
impacts.

## Minor changes in the home

The first changes any person can make is in their own home – rented or owned. There
are numerous gentle adaptations to daily life that can have a [great impact on energy efficiency](https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/cost-savers/how-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/).
Switching to energy efficient light bulbs, especially newer generation [LED](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/new-energy-star-led-campaign-shows-bulbs-in-a-fun-way/)
variants, is an easy first step – and it will save money in bills and the longevity
of the bulb. USA Today outlines the benefits of using smaller cooker devices, wearing
more layers, and dusting in the home – all of which improve your efficiency by [reducing the energy cost of heating](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2017/11/13/electric-bill-cutting-costs-saving-free-changes-investments/552876001/).

![Energy change](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/
F35D66C2-D96E-44FA-B638-FE139A9CFE97.png?resize=736%2C491&quality=50&ssl=1)

## Switching energy supplier

You can have an even greater impact on the energy economy by switching to an all-
renewable supplier. Renewable suppliers are becoming dominant, especially so in 
southern states, and as asserted by The Guardian, have a [better track record on power outages](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/17/conservatives-falsely-blame-renewables-for-texas-storm-outages)
in the likes of Texas. Small factors like this contribute to overall better efficiency.
Therefore, having higher up-time and a lower likelihood of outages means less reliance
on older, fossil-fuel powered services.

## Taking control

The ultimate way to take control of your carbon [footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/make-energy-efficiency-a-priority-this-new-year-with-simple-energy-resolutions-for-2012/)
is by creating a smart, renewable powered home. This is cheaper and more simple 
than it ever has been before. US News highlights that solar power installation is
[now 60% of the cost](https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2021-03-25/us-pledges-to-slash-solar-energy-costs-by-60-in-a-decade)
it was a decade ago. That’s also making it a more viable alternative for a wider
range of homeowners.

With modern technology provided by the likes of Tesla, you can most certainly sequester
energy for a longer period. This too improves your independence from the grid. There
is some downside – solar panels are still not carbon neutral in production costs.
However, over their lifetime they will certainly offset a lot of the cost of using
fossil fuels.

Making those home changes and [building](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/the-importance-of-energy-efficiency-in-ice-makers/)
a long-term strategy will add to your eco credentials. Energy is such a huge contributor
to [climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/climate-change-how-humans-contribute-and-how-individuals-can-fight-it-at-home/).
That’s why making even small changes is effective.