Action Plan (UCSP Final Project)

Electricity Waste

I. Description of the Problem (Rouke and Brau)

The senseless waste of electricity is a growing problem not only in Dumaguete City but the
entire world. Everyday there are more and more innovations released that aim to stem the rapid rate
of energy consumption but the harsh reality is we are far from a fully green future. In fact, anyone
who lives in the City of Gentle People would know that energy, specifically electricity, is one of the
city’s greatest issues. With countless power shortages and brownouts in a year, electricity is no
longer as abundant as it once was.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, in the Philippines, electricity is most
commonly used for lighting purposes with about 74 percent of the households reporting its use. With
78.7 percent of households using it for recreation, it is also used for television, internet or video
games. In fact, there is a term given to devices that tend to consume significant amounts of electricity
because we tend to leave them plugged in 24 hours a day. They are called energy vampires and
these include basic appliances such as the television, microwave, air conditioner and then like.
Judging from this information, we are reminded of just how much electricity we use daily.
All points considered, our team believes that electricity waste is a societal issue that is
significant to our modern-day lives. Not only does it increase our monthly bills but it can also
potentially harm the environment permanently. Although we cannot completely stop the use of
electricity in this modern era, we can however reduce the waste by considering the following
alternative solutions and its pros and cons.
II. Alternative Solutions
1. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) (Kirby)
Waste-to-Energy is a process that converts waste to heat or electric energy. The
first advantage for this is that it only requires cheap fuels. Secondly, compared to most
processes, WTE is less harmful to the environment. Lastly, it gets rid of garbage, reduces
landfills while generating useable energy at the same time.
However, like all things, WTE has its cons. First, a significant number of people
still do not support WTE, which means it will be difficult for the government or the companies
rather to implement this idea. Secondly, the machines needed to process is expensive to
construct and difficult to maintain. Lastly, the smoke and ash emitted from the chimneys
tend to pollute the air, thus harming the environment although at a minimum.
2. Unplugging Devices and Switching Their Controls (Mary)
 Instead of leaving every appliance or device in the household plugged 24 hours a day,
unplug them when not in use. The first advantage is that this solution is most likely the easiest
to do. Secondly, simply unplugging energy vampires regularly can lower the electricity bill
significantly. Lastly, unplugging your devices more is safe to the environment.
The drawbacks however include many things to consider. First, a lot of people nowadays
can easily get bored when technology is absent because we are used to relying on such
innovations. Secondly, especially for homes that are equipped with heating or air-conditioning,
it might take a while for people to get used to the natural room temperature if these appliances
made to reduce heat or coolness are unplugged. Lastly, considering how most companies and
schools now require technology for numerous activities or tasks, people might be less productive
without computers, phones, etc.

3. Using Solar Panels (Ace)

The use of solar panels to acquire solar energy is getting more popular by the day. In fact,
our very own university is now using this method to conserve and acquire more electricity. The
first advantage is that it is low maintenance and does not require a lot of care. Secondly, it is
environmentally friendly because it uses materials that do not harm the planet. Most importantly,
the source of energy is abundant because Dumaguete is already a normally sunny city.
However, we also must consider the disadvantages of solar panels. First, the energy
storage required for it is expensive. Second, it is intermittent, which means it can only work for
a specific type of weather. In this case, solar panels require a sunny weather to work. Most
importantly, it is extremely expensive. The solar panels alone can cause a lot without the energy
storage needed for it.

III. Conclusion (Lei and Louise)

All solutions, pros and cons considered, we believe that the second one, which is to simply unplug
appliances (energy vampires), is the best answer to conserve electricity specifically here in
Dumaguete City. This is because it is easy to follow; it only requires one to plug their devices when
it is needed. At the same time, it reduces energy waste as it saves both money and the environment.

Submitted by Group 3: Braullo Macias

Lei Tolentino Mary Rose Fabillar
Kirby Curativo Ace Genesis Sadang
Louise May Indog Rouke Madronal