With the weather turning cold many Canadians are turning up their thermostats in order to heat their homes. In order to save on heating costs and protect the environment, many consumers choose to dress in layers, put on an extra sweater or blanket and install plastic over their windows. While choosing to stay inside more due to inclement weather we often turn to our computers, TV’s and cell phones for entertainment. Or some may choose to complete interior home renovations by adding a fresh coat of paint, install new plumbing and finally clean out the spare room that has become a junk collector. Many people also choose to jet off to sunnier, warmer destinations during the coldest months of the year to avoid the -40 temperatures.
What many Canadians do not realize is that every one of the above items and activities is made from, or uses petroleum products. We have come to think of oil as a product that is solely used in producing gasoline and diesel however everything from plastics to clothes and from cameras to toothpaste is made from petroleum totaling several thousand products used in everyday life.
With improvements to the electric car in recent years, more and more consumers are purchasing them instead of the regular gas-powered vehicle in order to cut down on CO2 emissions. According to SaskPower’s website, only 33.5% of our electricity in Saskatchewan comes from renewable resources such as wind and hydro. Meaning 66.5% of our electricity is provided by coal and natural gas. Therefore electric cars are still being powered by fossil fuels even if gas is not being put in the tank.
Fossil fuels are also used during the manufacturing of electric cars for batteries, upholstery, plastic wire coatings, stereo components, tires and so much more.
Electric cars, over the lifetime of the vehicle, do produce less CO2 than the average gas-powered vehicle however petroleum products and other fossil fuels are still a vital source in the production and running of all-electric vehicles and if there is not enough access to clean electricity such as wind, hydro and solar, than electric cars cannot make an impact on reducing CO2 emissions that they claim.
More items that we use daily and are unaware that they come from petroleum by-products are; Aspirin, Cd’s and DVD’s, Dentures, Paraffin Wax, Rugs, Dry Shampoos, and thousands more. So although we do have to reduce our impact on our planet, next time you snuggle under your fleece blanket, turn on your TV and grab your favorite bag of chips remember that all those items are made, at least in part, from fossil fuels and their by-products.
There would have to be major changes in our lifestyles and in all industries in order to make oil and its by-products obsolete, which will not be happening anytime in the near future. So in the meantime, plant a tree. Recycle, Reuse and Reduce.
Written by: Bobbi - Lynne McGarry
No comments:
Post a Comment