So many world-saving simple technologies are stalled by our species egocentricity. In a country such as America blessed by a natural wealth of sun with some cities receive up to 242 sunny days per annum, solar power should be exploding. However, I find that my friends are stalled, waiting for the best deal. Meanwhile the environment continues to suffer.
The hungry coal sector devours more and more precious trees resulting in an imbalance within micro and macro ecosystems. Jet setting westerners offset their travel, donating “carbon” dollars to who knows where. We baulk at donating to world aid charities because of corruption, who knows where those carbon offset dollars go to?! Richard Branson’s latest venture to the moon? Another mansion for the British Airways CEO? We would be better off installing a rain tank and a solar powered energy generating device than looking sideways at such ridiculous “feel good do nothing” concepts.
Technological advancements in every field and commercial competition in every sector of life means there is a perpetual race for more efficient cheaper sources of everything, solar-based products are no exception. Every few months the latest “best-deal” is bettered, much to the frustration of our egos which are embattled when we are outdone. Capturing the best-deal makes us feel great. How often have you thoroughly researched a product or service and are feeling proud as punch only to have a conversation with a rival who has trumped you?! Aghh the disappointment and then anger that you are not the best, you have fallen short again. Our egocentricity penetrates every aspect of life unfortunately often to the detriment of the greater good.
In the case of solar energy, we need to think about the long term benefit. Yes there will be a cheaper, more efficient service and product in six months and there may be better government incentives in three months but if we sit pretty, paralysed on the fence for the permanent winner nothing will ever change. So do it today, research a product and start implementing this change. My mother runs a large cattle station in Texas, she has been in this state of paralysis for years and in that time could have made absolutely enormous savings on the property electricity bills not to mention contributing to a more sustainable future. Get those little solar tubes up on your house and cut electricity bills, help out poor old mother earth and start receiving the benefits now. Although sitting on the fence and waiting always offers a buffer against losing out, our ego could rest easy even with an outdated product, that we are saving money and living more within our environmental means.
Guest Post: By Ego