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     Gobar times: Environment for Beginners

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Ask me! No?

C O V E R  S T O R Y

Energy Budget

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How clean is my kitchen?

We all know that climate change is a reality, right? Top climatologists across the world are screaming themselves hoarse, warning us to take drastic measures to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon dioxide and other gases like methane, sulphate, chloride and nitrate).

If we don’t, global average temperatures would rise to catastrophic levels.

These measures have to be taken NOW. Because we have already spent our budget as far as energy is concerned. The only way we can stay afloat is by cutting what we emit.

But even the basic human lifestyle involves energy use in one form or the other. Yes, you and I are major emitters too and need to clean up our act. So how do we begin? By digging up some essential facts first. Such as, exactly how much do we as individuals or as members of a family contribute to the CO2 load in the atmosphere?

We must start at home of course; maybe from the kitchen. Here is an interesting game which will help you to calculate your very own energy budget. So start now!

Let us know how you fared and we will tell you more. For those who scored more reds, ask us and we will help bring your carbon footprint down with our simple, fabulous solutions! We are waiting to help you help the planet.

You can divide the appliances and products into survival and luxury items because every person is entitled to a basic minimum level of GHG emissions to survive. Fuel used to cook contributes to survival emissions. But heaters, ACs and imported glassware are luxury emissions that represent a lifestyle.


Rules of the game

  Take a close look at all the goods in your kitchen – energy appliances (gas stove and lighter, electrical devices like oven, toaster, mixer, lights, fan, refrigerator, water purifier, etc), and others like utensils, plates, cutlery, and bottles.

  Make a list, dividing the items under two categories: Energy appliances and Others.

  Count the number of different items under each category (60 for 60 plates) and fill the total in the boxes given below.

  Check the colour code to see which colour – green, yellow or red - your number falls under and how many points you get for it. Now you know how clean or dirty your kitchen is. In its energy use.

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