Peak Oil and Home Energy Conservation
Energy Returned on Energy Invested Means Old-fashioned Housework
Feb 10, 2009
In his online Crash Course (2008), Scientist Chris Martenson warns that learning to live with less fuel in the world of post peak oil will be critical for economic prosperity. He describes a 100 watt bulb that lights with the flip of a switch and requires little human energy investment. The energy returned, he continues, is equal to a “fit human being in the basement pedaling as hard as they could” to keep it lit.
With that analogy in mind, it seems unlikely that modern homes could ever achieve a one-to-one ratio for ERoEI. Instead, the goal must be to better balance the ratio and redefine prosperity as something other than ease. Fortunately, the idea of ease has been overrated. There are great intrinsic rewards in a balanced life of social responsibility. Especially during these trying economic times for cities, states, and nations.
Balanced ERoEI
Since most of the U.S. population does laundry, for example, the chore provides an opportunity for more balanced ERoEI. Hanging clothes to dry rather than using a dryer requires a minimal amount of “energy in” and creates a measurable return on the time and effort invested. It saves the money and conserves the energy that would be used for running the appliance. In addition, the clothes look new for longer and require replacement less often.
For apartment dwellers who live without a yard or basement, the shower rod provides a good substitute for the clothesline. Sweaters are dried flat on a bed or similar surface. For the rest, any hangers other than wire (which can rust) will suffice. A set of wooden ones is best to maintain the shape of clothing.
Choose the contour hangers for shirts, and use clips for skirts and trousers, etc. Socks and undergarments slide neatly on to the lock bar style, which holds several pair per hanger. Depending on the season, the clothes dry in 2 to 20 hours, and the evaporating moisture adds humidity to a home during indoor heating months. Sound familiar?
Awareness and Change
If not, rest assured that awareness is the beginning of change—and understanding prosperity in the world after peak oil. In return for the human energy investment, there are the benefits of effective home energy conservation and social responsibility. Of course, hanging laundry is just one of many ways to raise awareness and promote ERoEI. The rewards of a balanced life are addictive. Once the practice is begun, other changes soon follow.
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