Given the current scenario of power cuts and spiralling cost of petrol perhaps there is no better time than now to consider the alternative of solar energy. Heralded as the energy of the future, solar solutions are coming in handy, every day conveniences like lamps, chargers and torches as showcased in the first Solar Energy Fair held in the city recently.
Ask Farida Hussain, president, All India Women's Conference (AIWC) Hyderabad-Secunderabad Branch., which organised the recent fair. She has been working on climate change and renewable energy programmes for three decades.
One child one light
Why solar energy and she reasons, “fossil fuels like oil and coal are fast depleting and hence highly priced besides contributing to global warming. Switching to solar energy especially in a country like India which has an abundance of sunlight is a sustainable alternative that reduces carbon emission and hence carbon footprints.”
Urban students in particular are encouraged to celebrate festivals and birthdays by contributing solar table lamps to their rural counterparts through the “OneChildOneLight” campaign. Several rural children suffer from respiratory problems caused by kerosene lanterns.
Rather than bookish environmental projects students can actually implement a renewal energy programme at their schools and see the results first hand. They could undertake social initiatives to educate them about the advantages of these green alternatives.
The usage of solar appliances can begin at home. For example a solar cooker is ideal for the housewife, solar heaters for water heating, solar driers for preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables without losing their nutrients. Solar lights and fans are both efficient and portable.
With the tremendous usage of mobile phones, mobile chargers too are draining electricity and can be replaced by solar chargers which can be easily used even while travelling.
All solar equipments require a one time investment and can help reduce electricity bill besides safe guarding the environment. The Government subsidies too are there for consumers.
The AIWC provides information, demonstrations and details on how these various initiatives can be introduced in institutions and at home.
Together we can conserve energy and make informed choices that are both practical and cost effective. Sunlight is limitless and yours to harness!
In one hour enough sunlight reaches the Earth to supply its energy needs for an entire year ! The German Advisory Council on Global Change is forecasting that by 2100 solar power will be the largest source of global energy. |
Contact 9849347882 for details and visit
www.onechildonelight.org
