Section 3: Energy
The word "energy" incidentally equates with the Greek word for "challenge." I think there is much to learn in thinking of our federal energy problem in that light. Further, it is important for us to think of energy in terms of a gift of life. — Thomas Carr
I urge individuals around the world to stand up, and ask local leaders, if they haven't already, to pledge to purchase cleaner cars, build green facilities, and buy green power like wind or solar energy. Our actions may determine if we become a casualty in the war for a habitable planet for generations to come. — Leonardo DiCaprio
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that." — Thomas Edison
Section 3 Table of Contents
03011 Energy definitions and science — Definitions of energy concepts important for permaculture design.
03021 Thermodynamics — You can't win. You can't break even. You can't get out of the game. Why this matters for energy issues.
03031 Peak energy — To hear some people talk, we have all the energy we need for centuries to come. Why we file this under "dangerous delusion."
03041 Energy efficient versus energy conservative — Efficiency is a fine thing, but when it comes to energy, being conservative in our use of it is most important.
03051 Embodied energy — Everything you buy and use — goods and services — contains energy. Frugality in our use of goods and services enhances energy conservatism.
03061 Urban Energy Issues — Energy issues of urban areas.
03071 Keeping Warm in the Winter — The most basic but highly useful concepts.
03081 Keeping Comfortable in the Summer — The most basic but highly useful concepts.
03091 Energy conservation for renters — You can do more than you think to conserve energy in your apartment.
03101 Energy conservation in dormitories — Earn major point with your school's administration by organizing energy conservation campaigns in dormitories.
03111 Energy conservation in transportation — Getting from here to there with less energy.
03121 Energy conservation for homeowners. — Deep energy conservation.
03131 Energy in the Kitchen — Tasty food with less energy expense.
03141 Design an alternative cooking system — Building some redundancy in an essential household system.
03151 Chest Fridge — An innovative and inexpensive solution to refrigeration energy expense.
03161 Water Heating — A nice low tech and inexpensive solution that reduces the energy expense of electric water heating.
03171 Energy Projects — A tip jar packed with fun, interesting, and useful energy projects.
03181 Stuff — Stuff is not only about stuff, it is also about energy.
03191 The Diderot Effect — Why replacing an old bathrobe can be a dangerous action.
03201 Waste and Recycling — Cycling of resources (commonly known as recycling) is a major energy conservative activity.
03211 Design a materials cycling center — Good design support good household habits.
03221 Energy in an Emergency — What to do when the energy grids go down, whether it be temporary or longer-term.
03231 Clothing and Laundry — Getting clean with less energy expense.
03241 Energy Inventory — Observing your energy situation. How many BTUs does your lifestyle require.
03261 Design issues: developing a personal energy plan — Working on an important section of your permaculture design for your life.