Hidden Energy Uses

When we think of energy use, we usually think of the energy used in our home, our car, or at school or work. We think of lights, heaters, or other appliances. We rarely think about the energy used to make, transport, sell, and dispose of everyday objects such as light bulbs, pencils, food, and soap. In fact, most energy used in developed countries is to manufacture and distribute common goods.

Procedure:

1. Obtain any common item from your home.

2. Discuss the "life" of the product, from its origins to its ultimate disposal.

3. Consider the following:

a) How was energy used to obtain the raw materials?

b) What energy was used in manufacturing and transporting the product?

c) What energy was used in selling or marketing the object?

d) What energy is used by the consumer in obtaining and using the product?

e) Is energy used to dispose of the product?

Questions

1. If we were to purchase less, waste less, recycle more, and reuse more, would both energy and materials be saved? Explain.

2. In what ways is packaging both a good use and a waste of energy and materials?

3. Discuss the idea that we, the consumers, control the manufacturing and commercial sectors of the economy.

4. How is the energy used in making a product paid for?

5. What is the difference between "need" and "want"?

6. List several things that we truly need and several things that we merely want.

7. When we throw something away, has it truly gone away? Discuss.

8. What happens to the energy stored in something when it is thrown away?

9. What are some ways in which we could reduce the amount of energy used to manufacture the item you used in this activity?