The Return of Coal

As the cost of fuel rises, the use of coal becomes more common. For instance, many people in Pennsylvania have begun to use coal instead of fuel. Besides saving money, coal gives off more heat than electrical heaters so it is more useful. One image that dipicts the idea that coal is becoming more popular is image 1 of 9. This photo is taken by Laura Pedrick for the New York Times. The photo was taken at an angle such that the words are read on a diagonal. In addition, the building that has the writing "Everybody's goal is mine more coal" is in the foreground and is more focused than other objects in the photo.

Another image that shows the new found importance of coal is image 2 of 9. In this picture a man, Kyle Buck, has stored coal at his home in a makeshift storage bin. He uses the coal to heat his house. Coal's importance is shown in this picture because of the amount of coal in this man's house. Obviously someone wouldn't buy a product in bulk if it was not going to be used. Even though Kyle Buck has a large amount of coal, he is worried that coal heating will become so popular that he will not be able to buy more coal if need.

Finally, image 7 of 9 shows an man and woman in a store shopping for coal heaters. This shows how popular coal heating has become because people are beginning to purchase coal heaters rather than electrical or gas and/or oil heaters. Oil and/or gas heaters are much more expensive to run in comparison to coal heaters. Also, when choosing between electrical or coal heaters, a person would be more likely to choose a coal heater because more heat is given off.

I was convinced that the use of coal could be brought back by looking at this photoessay. The pictures really show and give a good example of how important coal has become as oil prices rise. The dependency people have upon coal is one that should be taken seriously and people in all parts of the country should figure out ways to produce coal more easily and safely, in comparison to mining.