| Every where you turn, there it is. Go Green. Save | | | | solar energy is one of the most expensive forms of |
| the Planet. Stop global warming. Lately, our | | | | renewable energy, yet it offers much potential as |
| environment seems to get more focus than the | | | | the technology behind it continues to advance. |
| economy. All of a sudden, it's like someone woke up | | | | 3. Hydro - Flowing water is used to spin turbines |
| and realized our natural resources aren't going to last | | | | connected to generators. There are several types of |
| forever. It looks like the media has finally decided the | | | | hydro electric systems, such as dams and river |
| health of the planet merits some attention and | | | | current, as well as emerging technologies such as |
| renewable energy may warrant a closer look. | | | | wave and tidal power. |
| Well, what exactly is renewable energy? How does it | | | | 4. Geothermal - Power generated by geysers fueled |
| work and why is it good for us and the Planet? Let's | | | | by the heat located deep within the earth's core. |
| take a minute and dive into this electrifying topic and | | | | Although not new, it is still being developed and is |
| examine more closely these questions to see what | | | | subject to geographic limitations. |
| we can learn. | | | | 5. Biomass - Energy created by burning wood, wood |
| Renewable energy refers to electricity derived from | | | | waste, animal or other organic waste and methane |
| energy sources that can generate indefinitely without | | | | gas generated from landfills. |
| being depleted. It offers an alternative to energy | | | | Recognizing the positive attributes of renewable |
| created by burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or | | | | energy governments from around the world have |
| natural gas, or by nuclear generation. Because | | | | begun to take steps to promote its' increased use. |
| traditional fossil fuels require millions of years to | | | | Within the U.S., there are now portfolio standards |
| develop and they produce huge amounts of carbon | | | | that require electricity providers to obtain a certain |
| dioxide when burned, they are not considered clean | | | | percentage of their electricity from renewable |
| or renewable sources of energy. | | | | providers by a certain date. At the same time, |
| The most commonly accepted examples include: | | | | voluntary demand for renewable energy is growing. |
| 1. Wind - Naturally occurring wind currents are used | | | | What does this all really mean? Simply stated, the |
| to spin wind turbines to generate power. This is | | | | more renewable energy we can start using the |
| currently the most rapidly growing source of | | | | better off we'll all be. Reducing the amount of carbon |
| renewable energy. More resources and focus are | | | | dioxide that is produced when burning fossil fuels for |
| being put into wind energy right now than any other | | | | electricity can not help but prolong the health of the |
| form of renewable energy. | | | | ozone layer and other crucial eco-systems. |
| 2. Solar - Energy collected from sunlight is used to | | | | Renewable energy equals good energy and a longer, |
| generate electricity via photovoltaic arrays. Currently, | | | | healthier future to our planet. |