Being green today isn't just a choice that can make you feel good. It can also help us in the future. Here's a look at green energy, why we need it, and what we can really expect out of it. The more we know, the easier it is to make smart choices that are really good for our environment.
Sustainable, or "green" energy is designed to meet our present needs without preventing future people from meeting theirs. Some people say that fossil fuels aren't an option if we really want to be sustainable, while others allow us to include these fuels to help us transition to better choices. Some also say that use of energy sources that aren't likely to run out while the human race still exists can be included in the definition of "green" or "sustainable."
The most common green energy sources include all renewable energy sources. Solar power, biofuels, geothermal power, tidal power and wind energy are all included as renewable.
Some hold up nuclear power as a sustainable energy source, though a great many people worry about the problem of safely disposing of waste products from nuclear plants, especially in the US and other countries where breeder reactors are not in use. Others are skeptical that the planet's reserves of uranium are large enough to make nuclear power viable over the long run.
As far as sustainable energy is concerned, the most important factors are efficiency and renewability. A focus on these criteria can help the world begin using less non-renewable energy sources and making an effort to reduce global energy consumption. There is a finite amount of energy which can be produced from sustainable and/or renewable sources, at least using presently available technologies, so it's imperative that the world reduce consumption and improve the efficiency of existing energy supplies.
Moving to a energy model which is more reliant on green energy means reducing our energy consumption. It's a challenging question, but one which consumers now have a voice in thanks to the rapid advances being made in renewable energy technologies.
We're going to have to plan well for this transition to sustainable energy and know what we can expect from each technology. Take biofuels for instance. These may have a place as a regional energy source, but there is a limit to how many tons of soybeans or corn we can grow - and of course, industrialized farming has its own negative impact on the environment.
So what's the takeaway here for those of us making an effort to live lives which are a little greener? Look into your green energy options on your own and don't be swayed by anyone else's hype. You can get the facts and make your own decisions about how you can do your part for a cleaner, more sustainable world. - 29939
Sustainable, or "green" energy is designed to meet our present needs without preventing future people from meeting theirs. Some people say that fossil fuels aren't an option if we really want to be sustainable, while others allow us to include these fuels to help us transition to better choices. Some also say that use of energy sources that aren't likely to run out while the human race still exists can be included in the definition of "green" or "sustainable."
The most common green energy sources include all renewable energy sources. Solar power, biofuels, geothermal power, tidal power and wind energy are all included as renewable.
Some hold up nuclear power as a sustainable energy source, though a great many people worry about the problem of safely disposing of waste products from nuclear plants, especially in the US and other countries where breeder reactors are not in use. Others are skeptical that the planet's reserves of uranium are large enough to make nuclear power viable over the long run.
As far as sustainable energy is concerned, the most important factors are efficiency and renewability. A focus on these criteria can help the world begin using less non-renewable energy sources and making an effort to reduce global energy consumption. There is a finite amount of energy which can be produced from sustainable and/or renewable sources, at least using presently available technologies, so it's imperative that the world reduce consumption and improve the efficiency of existing energy supplies.
Moving to a energy model which is more reliant on green energy means reducing our energy consumption. It's a challenging question, but one which consumers now have a voice in thanks to the rapid advances being made in renewable energy technologies.
We're going to have to plan well for this transition to sustainable energy and know what we can expect from each technology. Take biofuels for instance. These may have a place as a regional energy source, but there is a limit to how many tons of soybeans or corn we can grow - and of course, industrialized farming has its own negative impact on the environment.
So what's the takeaway here for those of us making an effort to live lives which are a little greener? Look into your green energy options on your own and don't be swayed by anyone else's hype. You can get the facts and make your own decisions about how you can do your part for a cleaner, more sustainable world. - 29939
About the Author:
Author: Jerry Dyess has specialized in Commercial Energy for the past 7 years. Get more information on Business Electric rates.
