Grey (gray?) Energy

This term refers to the energy that is invested behind the product that you are enjoying. All the energy that goes into producing a certain item.

Real life example: Cafe Latte
The energy it takes to grow the coffee beans, the harvesting of those beans, the transportation of those beans, and then the processing of those beans in the roastery/coffee house etc.

THen the milk:
"to transport the chow to the cow," (www.pege.org/w/grey.htm) and then to move the milk to the creamery, then to the grocery store and into a refrigerator, and don't forget the energy needed to run the grocery store etc.......

THEN: the energy needed for the cappucino machine to froth the milk.. and you get the idea :)

Grey energy is something we should all consider in each and every product that we consume. How much energy is necessary to provide us (USA) with all of these options.? With endless amounts of products being manufactured overseas, it requires a lot of "energy" (OIL/GAS/FUEL) to make these items and then even more "energy" bring these products to this country besides to a store near you.

This is another factor guaranteeing an endless stay in Iraq--> our dependence on oil spans farther than just fueling our cars: it fuels the stability of our lifestyle and satisfaction of variety.

Just be aware of the GREY ENERGY behind our consumption.

Tip(s) to Reduce your G.Energy Output: BUY LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS :)