Every garden owner knows the peace and tranquility imparted by water features such as garden fountains and small ponds. But the cost can be enough to deter many these days due to the cost of electricity. These are not the only costs we should take into account when we think about buying water features. The costs to the environment due to the large amounts of electricity they consume are far reaching. Save money and the environment by using solar powered water features.
Even a small water pump for our garden fountain can be expensive when we consider that it is running 24 hours per day for 7 days a week, every day of the month. This can easily mount up to $30 per month to run. Factor in a water fountain or one other water feature and you’re talking more than $60 per month! You can recover the cost of solar powered water fountain after just one or two months of use at these prices.
The environmental costs of energy production are also something which we should not overlook. The production of refined oil from oil shale is an intensive process which not only requires a lot of energy in itself but also produces a lot of useless waste products. Mining of coal and oil, both above ground and below, causes unnatural elevations of the land and displaces a lot of flora and fauna from its natural habitat.
A huge amount of water is used in both the mining and refining processes. This water is contaminated in the process, can further pollute ground water and drinking water sources and can contaminate nearby farmland via runoff.
Dust, gas and other particulate matter which are produced from mining operations can be carried for miles from the mine site. This dust and gas can cause serious health issues if inhaled not only among humans but also in livestock, cattle and wild animals and birds. It can also contribute to acid rain and poor air quality.
An increased quantity of greenhouse gases are also emitted due to mining operations. The refining processes of oil especially require a very high temperature and this high temperatures required for refining almost always come from the burning of other fossil fuels.
You may think that using a solar powered water features is an insignificant gesture in light of the big scheme of things. But, if every individual took steps to reduce their carbon footprint by even a small amount, then the consequences for the planet would be tremendous. Small gestures on a large scale can have extremely significant effects. If everyone who had a water feature switched to solar powered fountain or pond the effects would be considerable. A solar water fountain is one example where we can make a difference. Take the first step and switch to solar powered water features.
