Green Energy

Most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuel burning and nuclear power. During the burning of fossil fuels, waste is released into the atmosphere, which can harm the environment. These wastes include carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Both of these gases may cause climate change and acid rain. Both fossil and nuclear fuels are non-renewable resources, meaning, they are limited.

There are many questions about the safety of nuclear power. There are also many questions arising about how to dispose of the radioactive waste that this technology leaves behind.

Over the last twenty years, there have been major developments in renewable energy technology for both industry and residential use. This has been encouraged not only because of concerns about the environment; but also, because of concerns of achieving better security of supply.

Renewable resources include the following:

• Solar Energy - Panels, either free-standing or attached to a building, collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity that can be used in homes and businesses. It is a completely renewable resource, and there is no pollution produced by its use.
• Wind Power - Don Quixote never could have imagined that windmill he was fighting could do so much. Of course, they are called wind turbines now, and they collect the power of the wind to provide electricity. This is another renewable resource that does not produce any pollution, but it is less efficient than solar power.
• Hydropower - This is the most efficient way to generate electricity. Modern hydro turbines can convert as much as 90% of the available energy into electricity. The best fossil fuel plants are only about 50% efficient. In addition, reservoirs formed by hydropower projects can expand water-based recreation resources and support diverse, healthy, and productive fisheries.
Don Quixote never could have imagined that windmill he was fighting could do so much.
• Biomass - This energy source involves the burning of waste products from plants and animals as well as burning wood and sugar cane to make steam to drive turbines, fuel vehicles, and produce electricity. This is renewable, but it does produce greenhouse gases, thereby contributing to the global warming problem.
• Geothermal - Geothermal energy requires the drilling of wells to bring hot water from below the earth's surface up. Once it travels up to the surface, the hot water and steam is used to produce electricity. It can also be used directly as a heating source in many areas. It does not require as much land as any other type of power plant for its use, but it is limited to the areas near the source of the energy.

Make the "Green Power Switch!"

Hybrid Cars

A hybrid car has a small, fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by batteries, and these batteries recharge automatically while you drive.

Hybrid cars emit less carbon dioxide and other toxins into the environment. They are also economically smart, being that they require less gas then your standard fuel-driven car.

Hybrid cars gain efficiency from the following attributes:

• Smaller and more efficient engines.
• Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. The motor acts as a generator and re-charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
• Periodic engine shut off - when the car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shuts off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
• Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag.
• Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag.
• Lightweight materials - to increase the efficiency of the car.

Learn about Hybrid Cars