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We can use trees in clever ways to reduce our electricity consumption.
- Most trees provide shade that can help us stay cool in the hot summer months and reduce our need for air conditioners and protect us from the rays of the sun.
- Trees and shrubs can provide shelter from cold winds. By planting an effective windbreak one can save electricity and fuel for heating. Select and place trees with care near buildings to avoid cold winter shadow.
- Wood can be used for heating instead of coal or electricity. Firewood is a natural fuel. We can save on coal and electricity costs if we use firewood for heating.
- Use wooden floors in buildings or build with wood. Concrete, cement, tiles, stone and corrugated iron are cold in winter whereas wood is an insulator that provides warmth. Although it is a good idea to build with wood, there is a limited supply in South Africa
- Use wood fuel economically (don’t waste) – Wood fuel is a cheaper source of energy but don’t waste it. It is precious.
- Protect our forests and trees from fire - When trees and grass burn, they release back into the air all the CO2 that was initially taken from the atmosphere. That effectively cancels any benefit they had for removing the carbon dioxide in the first place. Trees are also easily killed by fire, which means that we lose the longer term benefit they have for removing carbon from the air.
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