There is growing concern worldwide over the depletion of energy resources and a move towards using natural sources such as the sun. Solar, wind and wave power remain under-utilised resources mainly because of the expense of installation of the required infrastructure. But there are other less well-known resources we can draw from. The only problem is figuring out ways of extraction and implementation of these new methods.
All of us have witnessed first-hand the ferocious energy possessed by children who can run themselves and others ragged without even stopping to catch their breath.
This source is most often seen during a long holiday when children are let loose in buildings and public places. The constant motion and exercise of lung power is truly fascinating to watch. That’s when you wonder at the possibility of converting all this raw power into fuel. There would be little cost involved in raw materials. If I were a scientist, I would lead these young ones, like the Pied Piper, into large open spaces. There I would harness all that formidable energy for conversion into electricity. It’s a win-win situation. The children are taken off the parents’ hands for a while and the little ones can run around and scream as much as they like.
Think of the end result. The end to power outages everywhere in the world and a source easily replenished is what we all dream of. Now this can be turned into reality. All we need to do is brainstorm and let the children unleash their combined force.
I do realise that there are many parents for whom the high-decibel sounds of their young ones are music to their ears.
Material is immaterial
So, let’s go back to the drawing board. Wait a minute ... I just remembered reading about a ‘smart’ chin strap that is capable of generating power from the movement of the jaw. In a study, Canadian researchers have created a contraption made from a single layer of piezoelectric fibre. Just ignore that big unpronounceable name. The material is immaterial here.
This chin strap was attached to a pair of ear muffs by elastic side straps. When worn, the constant movement of the jaw when eating or even talking, creates power. While testing the device, the subject was asked to simply chew gum for 60 seconds. Now how hard can that be? I can see the owners of Wrigley, the company making chewing gum, doing a jig at the thought of soaring sales.
So, those who have been criticised for talking too much or overeating, are now our saviours. The garrulous and the greedy must henceforth be treated with the greatest respect for the power is with them. The next time you are disturbed by a loudmouth who can’t get enough of his or her own voice, stifle that nasty thought. Remember the awesome potential of that jaw and be grateful. Encourage the person to talk at length and be grateful for the power potential.
Or, if you are offended by the sight of someone who is constantly feeding their face, think of that person as a bottomless reservoir whose energy you might have to tap some day when yours runs low. Of course, the earth might run out of food, but never out of energy.
After a thorough analysis of all these sources, child power remains my favourite bet. There’s no dearth of them and imagine the joy you can bring to their lives when you tell them to scream louder and play harder as it’s for the sake of humanity.
Others might have to wear earmuffs to shut out the noise and close the eyes to protect them from the constant motion. But we are talking about the greater good here. So, we might be called on to make a few sacrifices such as hearing loss, but this is nothing in the larger scheme of things.
