Pollution, global warming nuclear waste, endangered species and human health are al linked to energy. With a looming energy crisis in the United States, pulling the plug on energy use may be the most obvious way to demonstrate concern for the environment. But for some Earth Day organizers, the idea is nothing new. For the past 10 years grass-roots activist Jeff Softley has organized the Earth Day Energy Fast to encourage Americans to eliminate or curb their energy use. The Energy Fast is easily incorporated into other Earth Day plans, Softley suggests.
Musicians can play acoustic instruments or use solar-powered amplifiers.
Food vendors can rely on solar cookers. Bicycle use can be promoted. At home you can put your lifestyle on an energy diet by carpooling to work, using natural light and heat, preparing food without appliances and trading television time for a walk outdoors. The Earth Day Energy Fast web site and airhead.org , recently launched by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, offer many additional energy saving tips and links. Despite a growing need for renewable sources such as wind, solar power and geothermal energy, fossil fuels continue to power cars, homes and industries because they are cheap, plentiful and readily available, conservation groups say.