Using Alternative Energy To Help Keep Mother Earth Green

Alternative energy - whether to replace fuels such as coal, or to reduce our reliance on petroleum based fuels; is one of the most talked about resources in society today. It is estimated that our natural resources will be completely depleted within the next 150 years. It is because of this that we as a society  need to be continuously searching for sources of alternative energy.

The two most common types of are wind power, and solar power. Both of these sources are harnessed from natural phenomena, and as such are completely free. It is these free sources of that we should be pursuing with the most fervency, so that, eventually, energy can be available to all regardless of  income. Below we will take a look at these two most common sources of alternative energy.

Wind Power

Wind power, while a free source of alternative energy, would be the most costly type of renewable energy to power our nation. This is largely in part to the fact that we must first place wind turbines across the country, in enough numbers to provide electricity to communities nationwide – even in areas where the wind velocity is not as strong. The cost of building enough of these turbines to harness the wind’s would be staggering.

If you’re interested in using wind power as your own source of alternative

What are the pros and cons of going off the grid vs. a grid-connected renewable energy system?
Going off the grid offers complete energy independence ? no utility bills, no grid outages, ever ? but it takes some effort, and you will need to learn how to conserve energy.
Test Your Knowledge of Electricity With a Quiz
<p>Learning the basics about electricity will help you conserve energy.</p>
United States Made Record Cuts to Carbon Dioxide Emissions in 2008
<p>The United States cut its energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by a record amount in 2008. Though high gas prices and economic woes were major contributors to the decline, a move toward renewable energy also helped.</p>
Federal Agencies Team Up to Foster Growth in Green Jobs
<p>The U.S. Department of Energy heads an effort to create new jobs in renewable energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.</p>
Energy Audits: What Homeowners Need to Know
<p>Nearly every homeowner can benefit from a home energy audit, which can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills, while also saving energy and making your home more comfortable. But the term ?energy audit? is used differently by different people. Here?s what home energy rater Ken Riead had to say about the process, and what homeowners need to know before signing up for an energy audit.</p>
New York Boosts Solar Power
<p>New York makes a plan to increase solar power as part of an aggressive energy policy.</p>
What?s the average cost to install a solar-electric system to power your home?
<p>Here?s advice from a renewable energy expert about what you can expect to pay for a solar-electric system to power your home.</p>
Checking in on the Climate Bill Debate
<p>Hold onto your hats, Congress is debating climate change. Right now the U.S. House is considering the Waxman-Markey climate bill. Here's where you can find more information about what is, and isn't, in the bill.</p>
What Do you Think About Small Solar Gadgets?
<p>There are a growing number of small, solar-powered gadgets for sale including solar flashlights, radios, cell phone chargers, outdoor motion lights and more. Are you using any of these small solar products? Do you find them useful? Tell us what you think!</p>
Wind Power from Kites
<p>Check out this video on tapping wind power with kites.</p>

energy, it is a viable option. Many farms and rural communities use these wind turbines to power themselves. In smaller numbers, the cost of building the turbines pays for itself relatively quickly. But wind energy is only one form of alternative energy. Next, we will look at using solar power as an alternative power source.

Solar Power

Solar power is derived from the power of the sun. Solar energy is also completely free, except for the cost of installing the equipment necessary to convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. This equipment is becoming less and less expensive every day, however; and generally ends up paying for itself within the first few years.

The equipment needed to use solar power as an source for your home can be bought at virtually any home improvement store, and can usually be installed in just a few hours. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are a great number of contractors available who can install your solar panels and generators for you.

Regardless of which type of you choose to use in your own home, the fact remains that we must find a renewable source of energy soon, or be at risk of losing the few natural resources we have left to burn. Contact your Congressman today, and ask what is being done to find a good source of alternative energy; and what you can do to help.