First Children Encyclopedia

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

267


The energy crisis


The remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.


Rising energy needs
As the world’s
population grows, we
are using more and
more energy. But to
stop global warming,
we may have to
reduce the amount of
energy we all use.

To reduce the energy used in
manufacturing, it’s a good idea
to use recycled building materials.

Cleaner cars


Ordinary petrol


cars use a lot of


oil, and produce


harmful fumes.


Now car makers


are looking for


alternatives to petrol.


Electric cars do not give off any


kind of fumes. Hydrogen engines


burn hydrogen gas, and only


give off water.


When planning a
holiday, remember that
trains, boats, and cars use
less energy than aeroplanes.

Instead of buying new
clothes, swap with a friend
or buy them second-hand.

Eat local food that hasn’t
travelled miles, because
transporting food costs energy.

Start growing your own
vegetables and fruit, even
if they’re only in pots.

Don’t throw away glass,
plastics, metal, or paper


  • reuse or recycle them.


Take your own bags when
you go shopping. Making
plastic bags takes energy.

Making a difference


There are lots of small


things we can all do to


save energy.


Don’t leave your TV or
DVD on standby – this
wastes lots of electricity.

Hang your laundry
outside to dry. Don’t waste
electricity running a dryer.

Ask your parents about
insulating the roof to
prevent heat from escaping.

If you get cold, put on a
jumper instead of turning
up your heating.

Energy-saving homes
This house saves energy
by using solar panels and
wind turbines to generate
its own non-polluting
electricity. The walls
are thick, so that less
energy is needed to
heat the house.

To recharge an
electric car, you
just plug it in.
Free download pdf