Theoretically, it is possible to live healthily while using energy at a rate of only 2000 watts. That’s one-fourth the average for people in the United States. Our environmental reporter took up the challenge.this is what he discovered
environment
February 7, 2023, updated on February 16, 2023
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The first thing I did was turn off the lights. Then I unplugged everything. On reflection, I reconnected the refrigerator. Then I made a list of all the other ways I consume energy.The gas boiler heats my apartment and water. I am cooking on a gas stove. I take the New York City subway to work. On longer trips, I drive a car, take a vehicle, or fly. Then there are refrigerators, washers and dryers, elevators, computers, phones, even toothbrushes. Add anything that requires energy to build and carry to your list. Plus the food I consume or throw away. Almost everything I do requires energy.
The topic of energy. Rising fuel prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the shift to renewable resources to curb global warming have forced people and governments to focus on reducing consumption. With this in mind, we wanted to see if we could significantly reduce our energy usage. Only 2000 watts per person is enough for everyone to live sustainably and maintain quality of life. That became my goal. This was the first day of my personal month-long 2000 Watt Challenge.
Jason Ford
After turning Wi-Fi back on, I used an online calculator to estimate my current energy usage. The United States consumes energy at an average rate of 8600 watts per person. I didn’t think I was living a particularly luxurious life, so I was surprised that I was spending more than that. Clearly, I’ve come a long way. …
