Topic 5- Sustainability Flashcards

1
Q

sustainable consumption of electricity

A

using electricity in such a way that the resources used to generate it will not be depleted

ensuring that the process sued to generate it will not have a negative impact on the env.

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2
Q

fossil fuels

A
  • formed from the remains of dead plant and animal matter buried millions of years ago
  • non-renewable energy sources
  • occur in limited quantities on earth
  • used up quicker than they are formed
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3
Q

3 examples of fossil fuels

A
  1. fuel
  2. coal
  3. natural gas
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4
Q

consequences of burning fossil fuels

A
  • pollutants being released into air and water
  • greenhouse effect
  • global warming
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5
Q

a greenhouse gas

A

a gas that absorbs heat energy radiating from the earth and reflects it back to the earth eg. CO2

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6
Q

the greenhouse effect

A
  1. human activity = excess release of greenhouse gases
  2. excess gases act as insulating blanket = heat from earth is trapped
  3. trapped heat = increase in earth’s temp
  4. increase in temp = global warming
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7
Q

coal: 1 positive, 1 negative

A

pos: SA is rich in coal
neg: releases large quantities of greenhouse gases

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8
Q

oil and natural gas: 1 positive, 1 negative

A

pos: easy to extract, handle, store, transport
neg: explosions and oil spills are possible

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9
Q

nuclear power: 1 positive, 1 negative

A

pos: sustainable, limited release of pollutants
neg: highly radioactive which can be harmful to people and env.

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10
Q

renewable energy

A
  • comes from sources that are naturally replenished and do not become depleted
  • have smaller negative impact on the environment
  • high costs in developing new technology
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11
Q

wind energy

A
  • wind turbines to generate electricity
  • freely available for use
  • does not produce pollutants
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12
Q

water energy

A
  • falling water to generate electricity = hydroelectricity
  • energy of falling water turns turbines which generates electricity
  • water is returned to the source with no waste products
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13
Q

sunlight energy

A
  • solar energy
  • solar cells convert sun’s energy into electrical energy
  • renewable and safe to use
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14
Q

3 reasons to save electricity

A
  1. conservation of non-renewable energy sources
  2. reduction of pollutants released during burning of fuels
  3. save money and water that would’ve been spent on generating electricity
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15
Q

5 ways of using electricity more efficiently

A
  1. close doors and windows when heater is on to keep heat inside
  2. install solar panels to heat water
  3. dress warmly instead of using a heater
  4. use low-energy bulbs
  5. plan house to face north for maximum lighting
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16
Q

responsible use of cooking appliances (3)

A
  1. heat only amount of water/ food needed
  2. use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time
  3. pots and pans must cover whole surface area of stove plates to prevent heat loss
17
Q

responsible use of geysers (3)

A
  1. use a geyser blanket to keep the water hot
  2. switch geyser off when it is not needed
  3. install the geyser vertically to use less electricity when heating water
18
Q

responsible use of refrigerators and freezers (3)

A
  1. do not place warm food inside
  2. don’t open doors unnecessarily
  3. make sure rubber seals are in good condition to prevent cold and electricity loss
19
Q

responsible use of dishwashers (3)

A
  1. fill completely before using it
  2. make use of economic settings
  3. clean filters regularly
20
Q

responsible use of washing machines (3)

A
  1. do not use pre-wash cycles unnecessarily
  2. wash full loads
  3. clean filters regularly
21
Q

responsible use of tumble dryers (3)

A
  1. let washing dry outside
  2. use correct settings to minimise energy usage
  3. clean filters regularly
22
Q

liquefied petroleum gas

A
  • used in SA

- by product when crude oil is refined and when natural gas is processed

23
Q

advantages of LP gas (2)

A
  1. non-toxic, clean fossil fuel

2. gives immediate heat

24
Q

disadvantages of LP gas (2)

A
  1. non-renewable

2. gas explosions can take place

25
Q

2 reasons for decreasing freshwater supply in SA

A
  1. increase in pollution

2. destruction of river catchment areas

26
Q

3 ways in which water is wasted

A
  1. leakages
  2. lack of maintenance
  3. lack of infrastructure
27
Q

water pollution

A

when pollutants enter water directly or indirectly and make it unsuitable for use by humans and animals

28
Q

5 causes of water pollution

A
  1. untreated sewerage water (human waste and disease-causing microorganisms)
  2. industrial pollutants (heavy metals such as lead which poisons people and animals)
  3. agricultural pollutants (pesticides and chemical fertilisers leaching into freshwater causes eutrophication)
  4. mining (acid water from mines causes harm to humans, wildlife and freshwater sources)
  5. hot water (thermal pollution changes temp of water body, killing aquatic organisms)
29
Q

5 ways to use water responsibly

A
  1. reuse grey water in the garden
  2. decrease flush volume of toilets (brick in cistern)
  3. reduce shower volume (low-flow shower heads)
  4. manage water in swimming pools (don’t overflow, use pool cover to prevent evaporation)
  5. use water-wise gardening methods (water after dark)
30
Q

5 ways to save water

A
  1. repair leakages
  2. shower instead of bath
  3. use economic cycles when washing
  4. fill dishwasher/ washing machine completely before use
  5. wash car with bucket of water instead of hosepipe
31
Q

5 services provided by the municipality

A
  1. water and electricity
  2. collection and disposal of sewerage and refuse
  3. building and maintaining roads and street lights
  4. emergency services
  5. municipal libraries and recreational areas
32
Q

who pays for municipal services?

A

consumers- through municipal levies on property, electricity and water consumption, sewerage and refuse removal charges

33
Q

5 responsibilities of communities regarding use of municipal services

A
  1. pay accounts on time
  2. support and respect local municipality
  3. use resources responsibly
  4. respect rights of community members
  5. vote in elections