It takes 714 pounds of coal to power a 100-watt light bulb for a year—Here’s how to end the madness with sustainable solutions

In first world countries, we usually do not give much thought to our energy needs until it’s disrupted through the weather or another uncontrollable event. All in all, we generally take for granted our pollution footprint each time we flip the switch for light in our homes, businesses and schools. And yet, lighting “consumes about 19% of the world’s electric power, more than all nuclear and hydroelectric plants can produce together,” asserts Grant Feller of the World Economic Forum.

To put this in perspective, consider the following: It takes 714 pounds of coal to keep a single 100 W lightbulb lit for a year. Or 143 pounds of natural gas. With nuclear, we’re looking at .035 pounds of radioactive fuel. For sustainable options, 100 square meters of solar panels — with eight sun-filled days — are required. Wind is by far the most efficient, with only two hours and twenty minutes of power needed from a 1.5 MW turbine operating at 25% capacity.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, our power grids are currently stretched to the limit. Regrettably, it’s going to become much worse in the coming days. With increasing population and the subsequent need for energy worldwide, it’s projected that over a billion people will be without decent access to electricity in the near future.

Without affordable energy, fundamental needs like cooking, heating, lighting and hygiene are at risk. As a regional UNESCO report on energy equity and environmental security points out, many crucial medical devices depend on electricity, thereby bringing into question the availability of potentially life saving interventions.

Even so, the earth is already is pushed to the max with conventional energy production that severely pollutes the environment. What’s needed are innovative, clean and safe solutions. As luck would have it, several entrepreneurs have developed green technology that will meet the increased demand for electricity — without sacrificing the planet or wildlife.

A Green Revolution

Below are three examples of cutting edge, eco-friendly inventions that can solve our energy crisis in a pioneering and inspiring way:

Wind Power. With the unfortunate destruction of bats and birds, many who are ecologically minded shy away from advocating large wind turbines as a viable energy source. Enter 89-year-old Raymond Green of Catching Wind Power Inc. Green developed a bird and bat friendly alternative — the Compressed Air Enclosed Wind Turbine. According to the company’s website:

“Our design does not have any external moving parts to hit the birds. Our unit is easy to see so the birds can avoid it, and all moving parts are internal. The blades are mounted behind the windsock and inner compression cone, therefore making them non accessible to birds. Also, our turbines make virtually no noise.”

Read more: http://wakeup-world.com/2015/03/23/a-green-revolution-eco-friendly-technologies-that-can-solve-our-energy-crisis/