As I was going about my usual ritual of getting up, eating, and getting ready for work the other day, it dawned on me how much I’ve become dependent on electricity to get me going in the morning. The proliferation of digital gadgets and electric products has made life easier and better but there is a catch: increased reliance on electricity that overwhelmingly comes from coal and other non-renewable energy sources. A little run down of my typical morning serves as a stark reminder how plugged in I – and I’d venture to say many of us – really am.  

I wake up to the alarm set on my cell phone that has a lithium-ion battery which must be recharged nearly everyday. Once I’m out of bed and somewhat awake, I head to the kitchen where I turn on the radio to listen to the news while I fix breakfast (usually cereal but sometimes eggs or oatmeal). Then I turn on the computer so I can read the news and check various online accounts while I eat (and try not to splash milk on the screen). I’m not a coffee drinker but I know many of us have coffee that is often from an electronic coffee maker. Once I’m done eating, I’ll head to shower, often using my phone as a small radio to play some tunes. All the songs are digital and I don’t even remember the last time I bought a CD. This is great in that it reduces all the inputs, materials, and energy needed to produce CDs, album covers, cases etc. and ship them around the world. I don’t have to get in a car and drive to the Best Buy to pick up a CD. I can just download it over the internet, which is great but again increases the need for electricity. Similarly, when I shave with my new electric razor I get a close shave without having to use shaving cream and razors. This is not only easier and less consuming for me but saves me money by not having to buy all those Mach 3 Razor blades while at the same time cutting down on the waste generated. Once again, however, I’m dependent on the grid. Even my toothbrush is electric. It gives me cleaner teeth and is easier on my gums than a regular toothbrush but is a relative power hog.

I unplug everything (toothbrush, power strip, computer, razor etc) from the wall before I leave the house and allow the devices to run down their batteries before I plug them back in but I’m still using a fair amount of energy. Were I to leave everything plugged in and “charging” all day I’d be using far more and would have higher electricity bills as a result.

What are the consequences of this plugged in lifestyle? Though our lives are becoming more and more digital and “electrified”, I take comfort in the fact that the grid will only get greener over time. As solar power, wind, geothermal, and other alternative energies come on line, the overall  amount of electricity produced by coal should fall. Should the Bloom Box become viable for consumers, the dynamics change even that much more.

- Justin Manger

[Electrons Image Credit]

[Corn Flakes Image Credit]