Alternative Energy Sources

Turning to alternative energy sources and learning ways to conserve energy is the subject of much debate and concern worldwide.

I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading myself on this topic. So in this article, I will share with you all I’ve learned and give you a rundown on other energy sources available to you, us, besides the conventional nonrenewable choices we are all accustomed to.

I'll also give you some pointers, or suggestions, on ways I've learned to cut wasteful and senseless expenditure of energy. The best thing I've learned is that even though old habits die hard, they can be replaced with better more conscious ones through constant repetition.

Nature Provides Abundant Choices
for Clean Energy

Alternative energy sources are renewable, which means they are readily or continually replaced or replenished as they are used—and won’t run out. Commonly referred to as green energy, or clean energy, they do not harm the environment or us. Nature provides us with abundant choices for clean energy.

Renewable energy sources include sunlight, water, wind, volcanoes, plants and even garbage. Uses for all of these resources have already been implemented and the technology is available today:

• Solar energy
• Hydro energy
• Wind power
• Geothermal energy
• Biomass or biofuel
• Waste in Landfills

and

• Nuclear energy

Fossil Fuels—A Nonrenewable Resource

Proponents of the theory of global warming, as a result of the greenhouse effect, blame climate change on the use of fossil fuels. For these reasons, we have to learn to curb our use of them, and turn to alternative energy sources as our main source of electricity and fuel.

Fossil fuels are formed from plants and animals that died millions of years ago. So they are limited. It is calculated that oil and gas reserves will be depleted within the next 30 or 60 years, while coal may run out in less than 200 years. You may say, “Well, I’ll be dead by then.”

…but, what about your children and your children’s children?

And worse yet, think about the amount of harmful gases they produce when they are burned to generate power.

Tip: Coal is the worst offender of all the fossil fuels.

There was a time in the not too distant past that we lived happily unconcerned with pollution, fuel shortages, or devastating climate change. There was a time when fossil fuels were so cheap and seemingly inexhaustible that we came to rely heavily on them.

Fuel shortages and the increasing cost of oil have made us think twice. We now have to increase our reliance on alternative energy sources for our survival.

Power—Can’t Live Without It

We have become energy hogs with all the technology we use in our everyday lives. Stop and think for a moment how many electrical devices you use in a day, in an hour!

How many appliances do have in your home?

Toaster, blender, juicer, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, electric razor, hairdryer, electric toothbrush, cell phone, home phone, computer, printer, fax machine, televisions, stereo system, surround sound, DVD player, playstation (and the many other game components), washer, dryer, iron, sewing machine, lamps, fans, AC unit and on and on.

These are just some I came up with off the top of my head. And how many of these things do you leave on when you’re not using them? How many lights do you have on in your home that you are not using? How many times do you leave the television on when you are not watching—just for background noise?

Now add all the devices in your office or workplace? How many vehicles or motorized “toys” do you own?

The list grows longer and longer…

Choosing Alternative Energy Source—and Wasting Less

Adjusting your thermostat to a comfortable—tolerable—level, driving less or driving fuel-efficient cars, unplugging electronic equipment when not in use, turning off lights when you leave the room, using compact fluorescents light bulbs, and buying energy efficient appliances in your home and office are a great first step.

Most electrical plants run on fossil fuels, mostly coal, so if we consume less electricity in our daily activities, power plants use up less fuel.

Stopping the waste is fundamental. Converting to alternative energy sources is crucial. This will have the greatest impact. We have the green technology, but as consumers we have to choose it. We have to send a clear message to our legislators and energy companies with our voices and our wallets.

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