Pollution Prevention: Energy

Energy is all around us. We see it as lightning or feel it in a static electricity spark, but we most likely recognize the benefit of energy to power our light bulbs, air conditioners, computers, refrigerators, washing machines, electric ranges, alarm clocks, stereos, toasters, power tools, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, garage door openers, copy machines, microwaves, fans, irons, radios, and television sets... Whew! We sure rely on energy for many actions during a typical day.

Energy to power our lives is not free. It costs money to purchase, and it costs our environment to produce it. Much of the energy in Tennessee comes from burning fossil fuels like coal. Some energy comes from nuclear power plants and some from hydroelectric dams. Producing energy from these sources has some negative impacts on our planet,  such as strip-mining to find coal, generating nuclear waste, damming a river, or producing air pollutants.

Keeping in mind how many electrical devices we employ everyday and the negative impacts that energy production has, practicing energy conservation is very important. Several other states have already reached the point at which their energy demand has exceeded their energy production.

With advances in technology, a small portion of our energy in the Tennessee Valley is being generated from renewable sources such as solar power, landfill methane, and wind power.

Want to learn more about making energy-conscious purchasing choices for appliances, electronics, or HVAC systems? Visit the EPA EnergyStar Web site.

For additional information go to the TP3 Households Energy Conservation page.

For more information about the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership,
please contact Karen Grubbs at 615-532-0463, or 1-800-734-3619
or by email at Pollution.prevention@tn.gov.