Solar Energy, Why Not?

The burning of fossil fuels has been proven to be detrimental to our environment.  But there is a way to combat this problem, with the development of renewable, clean solar energy sources.  There are many different solar energies available that will benefit our planet and atmosphere.  Solar power can be manufactured from a number of different sources; wind, waves, hydroelectricity, radiation from the sun, and biomass.  

With solar energy at the forefront of the new technologies being researched to reduce global warming, we have a way to combat our energy problems.  With so many options I say, "Why not?"  In todays society we need power in basically everything we do, whether its to heat our homes, get somewhere, or even to relax. With all of this "dirty" power usage, there is a need to switch over to more "clean" energies.

This could start with the waves of our oceans.  They produce a great amount of energy, even though we can not see it.  Not only do oceans carry the energy of waves, but they also carry offshore winds, currents, thermal energy, and tidal power.  The cycles of the oceans are well studied and predictable, which make advancements in this kind of technology possible.  For costal cities, this could be a huge step in the right direction.

The wind is also a form or solar power.  And with the introduction of the wind turbine, it is a very smart solution to our energy needs.  Turbines convert the winds kinetic energy into mechanical power (electricity).  Generation of power through harnessing the wind does not burn up near as many resources as traditional power plants.  It also does not create hazardous chemicals that are released into our atmosphere.

Hydro-electricity is the most used form of renewable energy to date.  Electricity is extracted from the water (usually damned) by falling or flowing into a turbine creates energy and powers the generator.  Also, most of these complexes produce no waste or harmful greenhouse gases.

Next, our very own sun produces a huge amount of energy in the form of light everyday.  This light can be trapped and used in the production of energy.  There are two different ways to extract the energy from the light of the sun, photovoltaic panels (solar cells) and solar power plants.  Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into direct, useable energy.  Solar power plants convert the suns energy into electricity by heating fluids into a steam, and the steam is used to power the generator.

Last but not least, is biomass.  There are many different kinds of biomass that can be used as fuels for our ever growing energy needs.  Wood, garbage, alcohol fuels, and landfill gases are where we find biomass.  Wood and garbage waste can be burned to produce steam, which can generate electricity or can provided heat to homes and industries.  Biomass can also be converted into other types of useful energies.  Agricultural, garbage, and human waste produce methane gas as they decompose.  This "gas" can be used to help power our vehicles, machines, and homes.  Biomass can help us cut down on fossil fuels, and give us a safe way to reduce the waste that we produce everyday in our homes.

In the 21st century, there are many ways to combat the problem of global warming, and everyday these technologies are getting more sophisticated and more efficient in the production of energy.  If our country can jump-start the movement towards renewable energy sources as common place, then maybe other places around the world would follow suit.  As regular people, we must start to make demands to our local governments that we will no longer ignore the problem of burning fossil fuels.  We need to make these new advancements in technology a part of our everyday lives.

SOURCES

American Solar Energy.  "The Zero Energy Home challenge".  2006. http://www.ases.org/index.php?view=article&catid=12%3Alatest-features&id=298%3ASolarToday&option=com_content&Itemid=23

U.S. Department of Energy.  "Concentrating Solar Power". 2008. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/csp_program.html

Energy Quest.  "Energy Story". 2008 http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter15.html

This Article was Written By Rachel Trimmer

Simple Ways to Become Environmentaly Friendly

We hear the words "eco friendly" more and more each day so what exactly does it mean? Well eco friendly can have many different meanings, from changing a few light bulbs to buying energy saving appliances to even recycling. There are many things that you can do to help the planet that are "eco friendly".

One of the simplest things that you can do is change the light bulbs that you use in your house to energy efficient light bulbs. By changing your light bulbs you will instantly start conserving energy. The light bulbs that you should change first are the kitchen lights, ceiling lights, porch lights, family room lights, and floor lamps. ENERGY STAR (2008) states that by changing your light bulbs to ENERGY STAR light bulbs you will use 75% less energy than the ordinary light bulb. If everyone in the United States changed their most frequently used light bulbs to ENGERY STAR bulbs, than the United States could save up to 8 million dollars in energy cost in one year.




By continuing to try to make your transformation into an "eco friendly" person, you can start recycling. Recycling is an easy way to help the environment and you can even make a few dollars a month by doing it. According to the National Recycling Coalition (2007) by recycling you slow down climate change and global warming and slow down the amount of garbage being thrown away. They also state that the average American throws away about 5 pounds of garbage a day. When we throw this much garbage away it is very harmful to the earth and backs up landfills. When recycling the materials that are harder to decompose, they are reused to make new products. When these materials aren't recycled it is harmful to the earth because they don't decompose which makes them stay in the landfill longer. When these materials are in the land fill for a long period of time they let off more CO2 gases which we all know are harmful to the environment.


The last thing that you can do to help change your amount of energy use is to switch to energy efficient appliances like your refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer, and dishwasher.
By changing your washer and dryer to an ENERGY STAR washer and dryer you will not only save water but you will save energy, money and your clothes will last longer. When you change your refrigerator and freezer you will save 10-20% more energy according to ENERGY STAR (2008). They also state that buy changing out old refrigerators and freezers you will save enough energy to light a house for four months! Finally you can move on to replacing you dishwasher. ENERGY STAR states that you will save up to 41% more energy. This is huge, and it is one of the smallest appliances. By changing out your dishwasher you could also save up to $90 a year! These are just a few appliances that you can change in your house to make a difference.



Helping the environment is very important. If everyone just helps out a little it can really make a big difference. I hope that I gave you many ideas of how you can help the planet and I hope that you chose to go out and do something to save energy!

(2008). Light bulbs and fixtures. Energy Star. Retrieved October 14, 2008 from
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_lighting.

(2007). Why it’s important. National Recycling Coalition. Retrieved October 14, 2008 from
http://www.nrc-recycle.org/whyitsimprotant.aspx.

(2008). Flooring. Environmental Design Home. Retrieved October 14, 2008 from
http://dnr.md.gov/ed/flooring.html.

(2007).Countertops: 12 materials you can choose from…….which are eco friendly. Get with \
Green. Retrieved October 14, 2008 from http://www.getwithgreen.com/2007/07/21/countertops-12-materials-to-choose-from-which-are-eco-friendly.

(2008).2008 most fuel and least fuel efficient vehicles. Fuel Economy. Retrieved October 14,
2008 from http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/bestworst.shtml

Written By: Jennifer McIntire

Out with the Old, In with the New

Those that have grown accustomed to high horsepower, gas guzzling vehicles of our modern day may ask, "Why choose a fuel efficient vehicle, over a power machine?" Global warming and its effects have become a worldwide epidemic that most of us are aware of, and it has been scientifically proven that the cars we drive contribute to rising global temperatures. If we could all make contributions to reduce our individual impact, it could collectively add up to help relieve the stress on our planet and have some reversal effect on the dire situation that we have put ourselves and our planet in.

A good start is to change the way we drive and what we drive, to get us from place to place. With many advances in technology there are more options. Couple that with the different techniques to commute more efficiently and this makes a way for everyone to reduce their impact, even if you are not looking to buy a new car. However, if you are in the market for a new car there are several different viable solutions that can reduce carbon emissions.

Alternative fuels include bio-diesel, ethanol (corn), hydrogen fuel cells, electric fuels cells, air powered, and even natural gas. Each technology offers slightly different benefits. Bio-diesel is a non-petroleum based diesel fuel. It is usually made from soy bean oil, vegetable oils, or animal fats. A convenience of bio-diesel is that it can be used in unmodified diesel engines. Ethanol is made from corn oil, and is suitable for cars that run on unleaded fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells have a major benefit, and that is there by-product is water. They create no harmful emissions, and they are extremely quiet. Electric fuel cells share the same quietness that the hydrogen fuel cells have, and are easier on the environment. However, one drawback to electric cars is that their batteries are rather large and take up a great deal of extra space (such as a trunk). Air powered vehicles are becoming more and more popular for the short distance trips, but unfortunately the technology does not allow for longer distances. Other setbacks include the fact that they are small and have limited space and they top out at a speed of 40 miles per hour. If you are into speed, this is not the solution for you. The obvious benefit is the car uses no fuel, hence produces no emissions. However, natural gas might be. Natural gas burns cleaner than regular petroleum fuel. And it can be easily produced in the United States. Each one of these is still an emerging technology, so some might say that they are too new and expensive to invest in, but I strongly disagree. The benefits to our planet outweigh the drawbacks.

For those who are not looking in to buying a new vehicle, there are driving techniques such as hyper-milling that can greatly reduce the amount of fuel we burn and release back into the air we breathe. Hyper-milling is a way of driving that includes different techniques such as accelerating slower. Instead of pounding on the gas pedal when we see a green light, we can gently ease on the gas and this reduces the energy we burn. Other techniques such as slowing down more gradually and driving "lighter" will help reduce our impact. Driving smaller vehicles, carpooling, and planning our errands so that we are not driving back and forth are easy ways to lower our emissions.

The earth is not expendable, but we treat it like it is. It is time to start changing the way we think and approach how we treat our earth. With all of the advancements that have been made in technology, this is one we should embrace and support. Vehicle emissions are a huge part of the global warming problem, and we can help to reduce our impact. I say, "Out with the old, and in with the new."







Sources
Fueleconomy.gov. “Alternative Fuels” 2008. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/current.shtml

Environmental Protection Agency. “Fuels and Fuel Additives.” 2008. http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm

U.S Department of Energy. “Alternative and Advanced Fuels.” 2008. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/

Hypermilling.com “Hyper-milling: for Hybrid Cars or SUV Drivers or any Vehicle in Between.” 2007. http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/01/Autos/driving_for_mpg/index.htm

Forbes.com “Top 13 Most Fuel Efficient Cars” 2008. http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/02/efficient-gas-cars-forbeslife-cx_ae_0502fuelefficient.html

Kelly Blue Book. “KBB’s Top Ten Green Cars for 2008.” 2008. http://www.kbb.com/kbb/green-cars/articles.aspx?BlogPostId=646&r=437115256208926460

Article Written By Rachel Trimmer