The Near Future Of Green Energy
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by: JerryDyess | Total views: 324 | Word Count: 784
One thing to understand about Americans is we vacation less and tend to often speak only one language. While this differentiates us from the rest of the world, Americans are still concerned about the way the rest of the world sees us. Anyone traveling overseas is stereotyped as an "ugly American," but even more so in today's world due to our over consumption of the world's energy. In fact, according to recent studies, the United States is about 4% of the world's population, but consumes nearly 25% of the world's energy.
The rest of the world right now is forming a plan to reduce their overall CO2 levels by 20% before reaching the year 2020. This is a huge claim, and it means all the countries who are a part of the European Union are taking a monumental step. It also means they'll be utilizing solar and wind energy a lot more than before. In fact, to this point today, countries such as Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and others have invested billions to make this happen.
Unfortunately the Americans never responded. Instead our politicians are too busy arguing about whether or not the climate change is a factual and viable issue. Until we can reach an agreement, a new legislation will be waiting in the wings. The truth is, they're all simply missing the point. Even if climate change isn't a real issue, the fact that we consume much more energy than we should for our population count has to say something. The easiest way to explain it is it's shameful, and extremely embarrassing. This is even worse considering there are various forms of alternative energy right in front of us, and rather inexpensive.
So in order to change our country and help the world, it's up to us to make the change ourselves. We have to work together and show all of our politicians that this is the answer. Granted, it's not going to be an easy task, but it starts with you. When you realize the benefits and see the difference, your word of mouth will spread to others, and eventually we can all consume less energy, save money on bills, and help the environment.
Solar Power - The first option most people turn to is solar power. This definitely makes sense considering our recent rise in electricity costs. While solar power is clean, sustainable, and free, it's extremely inexpensive to install. Just ask all the individuals already taking this route whether or not there are plenty of benefits. What it comes down to is the majority of your electricity needs can be met with ease. However, solar power doesn't produce electricity on cloudy days or at night, so some people utilize wind turbines as well.
Wind Turbines - One of the most important things to understand about wind turbines is that they are simply small windmills. Each one of these can produce energy by the use of wind and are like we mentioned earlier, they are often used with solar energy to get the maximum benefits. It only costs a few hundred bucks to install which is a minor price for all the money you will save in the long run. Best of all there isn't a lot of maintenance either.
Hybrid Cars - Even though hybrid cars are more expensive then your average vehicle, you will soon realize the benefits of saving on gas. It's nice to know you can save up to $1500 a year just because you purchased a better and more efficient energy car. If you look at the big picture you will save $15,000 over a decade.
Fluorescent Lights - Replace all of your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. These bulbs are far more energy efficient and may end up saving you hundreds of dollars a year on your electricity bill. They also last up to 10,000 hours, which is 10 times as long as the average bulb, and when they are spent they can even be recycled.
Energy Efficient Windows - Taking the time to check the construction of your windows is extremely important at any time of the year. During the winter months your heat bill could run higher due to it taking longer to warm up your home. Why? These bad windows will allow the heat to seep out of your home and keep the electric running longer.
What it comes down to is you have to think about all your options when it comes to green energy. While you would benefit more by using them all, we understand you might just want to start out with one or two. However, by doing this and sharing it with others, Americans will be able to lower our overall energy consumption.
About the Author
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been in the Electricity business and written about Texas Electric prices for many years.
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