MANILA, Philippines ? Last March, there was an eco exhibit at the SMX Mall of Asia featuring alternative sources of energy. These were pretty much the things described in my previous article, which are definitely the better option to reviving a nuclear power plant. Clearly, many people are concerned about the environment and the enthusiastic response to tapping nature-friendly solutions is an encouraging sign.

Viewing the offerings at the exhibit gives us fresh ideas in redesigning our homes to better face today?s energy challenges. The real test of the effectiveness of our power sources is in how little these deplete our irreplaceable natural resources, how small its human footprint will be to the global environment.

In the exhibition, the solutions forwarded did not only involve adopting alternative sources of energy but also finding ways to use energy wisely. For instance, new-generation energy-efficient lighting systems were showcased, now more affordable than ever.

Using fixtures such as these would cut down the homeowner?s power consumption, effectively illuminate his home, and ensure a longer life span for his bulbs.

A great invention featured was the bio-fuel extracting equipment. These were machines that could convert seeds into diesel fuel. They have paints that can reflect heat almost completely, thus helping keep homes cooler. Aside from solar heaters and solar panels, there were air-cooling systems powered by solar energy.

One of the most popular demonstrations was the hybrid, which is a system wherein energy is collected by wind turbines and solar panels combined, producing 1,000 watts per hour, which is enough to power 20 8-watt pl lamps, 3 electric fans, one small refrigerator and possibly a TV set. This hybrid system costs approximately P180,000, half the price of what it was five years ago. Like most technological marvels that reach their prime, these will be even more affordable soon.

Some of the new products promise to reduce the use of energy by regular appliances, enabling homes to become more energy self-sufficient and no longer reliant on power grids. The best news is that most of these can be used in an ordinary home right now.

Changes in living habits

We have patterned our lifestyle along the western way, so much so that we have become too dependent on electricity. We have been spoiled by our reliance on all our home appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, microwave ovens, washers and driers. With global conditions as they are, now seems to be the appropriate time to turn to energy-efficient appliances and, if possible, to implement changes in our living habits, particularly those that are wasteful.

For example, instead of using bathtubs, showers are less wasteful. Cooking habits likewise can do with some improvement. It is healthier to eat raw or half-cooked vegetables, an approach which actually retains most of its nutrients. In the case of laundry, instead of wearing clothes that need ironing, we can shift to those that are classified as ?wash-and-wear.?

In designing our homes we could look for ways to exploit solar and wind energy, maximizing natural light and air flow. Although it may initially seem difficult for us, the times call for change. With these changes, we can reduce our energy requirements considerably. All it takes is one step: our decision now.

For your comments and questions, please send e-mail to marcosdeguzman@yahoo.com.