People are always talking about big projects using new technology to save or generate electricity; fusion power plants, electric cars, new types of lightbulbs, and so on. Such solutions are typically quite costly and require the installation of new infrastructure. Yet there are already plenty of methods for saving and generating power that are not being taken advantage of. Here are some possibilities...

1. Power-generating exercise equipment: Although fitness centers consume electricity, equipment such as exercise bikes, ellipticals, and weight machines could actually be generating power. Even if it just powered the devices themselves (for LCDs, resistance adjustments, etc), this would be an improvement. If a hand crank can run a radio or flashlight, think of how much electricity an exercise bicycle might be able to produce.

2. More efficient computer components: Portable computers typically use a fraction of the power that equivalent desktop units consume. That's because they use highly-efficient components designed to extend battery life by drawing less electricity. If new desktop computers were required to use the same type of components, they might cost a few hundred dollars more, but electricity consumption would greatly decrease. If some people can't afford it, they can always wait and buy them used.

3. Clotheslines: Electric dryers are the biggest consumer of electricity in many homes, because they operate a large electric motor and blow costly electric heat at the same time. Clotheslines and racks accomplish the same thing without using any electricity, yet some localities have banned people from using them. The federal government ought to prohibit cities and other communities from banning or otherwise discouraging clothesline use, and sales taxes on electric dryers should increase.

These are just a few examples of existing techniques for saving and generating electrical power which more people and businesses should start taking advantage of. Certainly there will be costs associated with each of these ideas, but they would be small compared to setting up new types of power plants or changing over to electric cars. It is also true that widespread implementation of renewable energy is a fantasy without much greater conservation and efficiency.