Implicit Energy

By Keith Heyde

 

So, there is a lot of conversation out there about the energy it takes to make certain products. From iPhones to cheeseburgers, it seems as if you can pretty much get an estimate for the amount of ‘energy’ it takes to make, well, anything.

However, what goes into calculating this number is a bit more complicated (and convoluted) than meets the eye. For example, let’s consider a bottle of soda. Of course it takes a certain amount of energy to process the aluminum, manufacture the soda syrup, carbonate the water, and package the product. This is the easy calculation. But, when we consider the amount of energy needed to 1) ship the beverage and 2) store the beverage before consumption, we are dealing with much finer issues.

To illuminate this point, consider that most shipping vehicles, whether they are boats or trucks, carry thousands of items. Even if they are all soda bottles, how much ‘energy’ do we account for each soda can? Do we simply divide the total energy by the number of cans, or is the answer more nuanced?

Similarly, when we are storing the bottles, how much of the refrigeration cost is attributed to a given soda can? Is it a function of volume? Specific heat capacity? Initial temperature? The exact amount of energy attributed to each can is immensely complicated. To make matters even worse, how do we know what people would do in other situations. For instance, if we DID NOT have the soda in the refrigerator, does that means that it would be turned off? With that said, does the soda can actually require any additional energy?

In short, getting the an exact number or amount of energy that goes into creating every product is a HIGHLY complicated, and contentious process. This is the main reason why as of now, it is not a requirement for any manufacturer or retailer to present such a number (although Walmart and California may be changing that soon).

Nonetheless, there are some easy ways to make sure that you are using and consuming less energy in your product selection.

Perhaps the most intuitive angle is with food.

Purchasing and eating locally grown food can cut down on your product energy consumption by over 70%. This means, that when you buy food that is sourced in your immediate area, you are not only helping your local economy, but you are also reducing the net footprint of your existence. In an age of overcrowded planets and rapidly diminishing resources, any move towards a more sustainable existence is a welcome alternative.

Plus, often times the locally sourced food is healthier. Most of the (disgusting) preservatives that cause issues with food and (unnecessary) genetic selection that diminishes food nutrients comes from large farms and food sources, away from residential population centers. Although it is by no means a guarantee, often locally sourced options leave out these aspects since they are not designed to be shipped halfway across the world. As such, you are getting a product that is far more beneficial to your livelihood.

With that said, it should be noted that there are MANY other ways to reduce your product’s energy footprint. Take a look at where it is made for one! Often, if it’s made in China, it took more (and dirtier) energy to make. Just consider the shipping cost!

Know your products, make the right choices, and move in from there.