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9 ways to Kick the Oil Habit |
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Localize! Have you
ever stopped to think about where your food comes from? Or
for that matter, your clothes, furniture, or most of the
manufactured items we depended on? The majority of our
everyday goods have been transported thousands of miles,
which consumes massive amounts of oil. The best way to
reduce your oil consumption, not to mention strengthen the
economy, is to support local businesses and buy locally
produced goods. |
Power
your life with renewable energy. Our homes and businesses are
powered by electricity, often created by power plants fed by
fossil fuels. What better way to reduce your oil consumption of
fossil fuels than to install a renewable energy system – be it
solar, wind or hydro – at your home or business? Solar has become
increasingly affordable, and the renewable energy industry is
taking off renewable. |
Go
bio. Did you know that Rudolf Diesel designed the first diesel
engine in 1892 to run peanut oil so farmers could grow their own
fuel? 115 years later, bio-fuels are finally making a comeback!
Bio-diesel, veggie oil and ethanol – all fuels that can be made
from plant-based materials – are entering the mainstream as viable
fossil fuel free transportation methods. |
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Build it with earth. It’s not necessary to transport
building materials from around the world when you can build with
the earth, from your own backyard! Not only will you cut down on
oil consumption and create a healthier, non – toxic environment
to live in, you’ll have fun building with time honored methods. |
Grow
your own food and save gas on trips to the grocery store –
not to mention the thousands of miles that produce is
transported – with healthy, fresh produce grown in your own
backyard. Besides, what could be more satisfying than preparing
a meal with homegrown, pesticide – free veggies? |
Visit
the Solar Living Center where you can experience many of
these different solution in action. In addition to providing a
campus for many of our hands – on work- shops, the Solar Living
Center’s 12 acres are packed full of examples of sustainable
living that provide alternatives to oil – consumptive lifestyle.
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Get
involved with community – based organizations (like the
Solar Living Institute!) that re supporting creative
alternatives, donors and friends; your participation really does
make a difference. |
Find
your dream green job so that your daily actions contribute
to creating an alternative to an oil – driven economy. In
response to students’ constant requests for career training and
advice on how to find a green job, we have developed many career
focused workshops, including our popular Green Career
Conference. |
Incorporate
energy efficiency into your home to reduce your consumption
of fossil – fuel – powered energy. Simple changes like adding
insulation and double – paned windows, or using energy –
efficient \appliances, can help you cut down on your energy use. |
