Benefits of Green Energy Sources

By Carl Ziebarth

Fossil fuels have long been crucial to American society. We use fossil fuels to heat our homes, run our cars, and create our electricity. America's appetite for fossil fuels is increasing dramatically. Consequences of our fossil fuel habit is depleting our resources and killing the planet.

Many say that green energy sources are too hard generate. Green energy technology is in its infancy. Currently, it may be harder to generate than burning fossil fuels. However, there are many different options for green energy. All we have to do is identify green energy sources that are viable for each US geographic region.

The various green energy sources such as solar, wind, wave, hydropower and geothermal do not produce anything harmful which may have a negative effect on the environment. This is the exact opposite of what you get when you continue to operate a coal or nuclear power plant.

Fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide as a by-product. Individual coal plants do not put off much carbon dioxide. Until you consider, there are 50,000 coal plants around the world. It is estimated that this number will only increase. If we do not reverse this trend, we may not have a world.

Many say nuclear power is a reliable solution. No one disputes that nuclear power does produce a large amount of energy. The dispute is whether or not we are effectively and safely disposing of the spent nuclear rods. We also have to consider nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. These incidents were many years ago. We have gotten better at containment; however, it only takes one accident.

Every fuel source requires maintenance, including green energy. All energy production sources have maintenance costs. Ethanol production still requires corn to be refined at a refinery. Windmills are mechanical machines. They have parts that must be maintained. Even with these maintenance costs, green energy is still more attractive than fossil fuels.

The next advantage of using green energy sources is that we will never run out of them. For centuries, the Sun's rays have reached so has the wind which is blown from the sea. By using it, we decrease our dependence on oil which is a nonrenewable resource.

Every American has a choice. We can continue to increase our appetite for fossil fuels or we can pursue renewable energy sources. Our governments are only giving lip service to green energy. They hold summits and conferences on global climate change. They tell us we have to reduce our use of fossil fuels but do not offer any alternatives.

Talking will get us no where. News papers talk about what needs to change. People talk about how concerned they are. People even tie themselves to trees. While these actions are noble, they will not build windmills or erect solar panels. It is time we put our money where our mouth is.

Green energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels. While there are maintenance costs, green energy is renewable. We are past due for action, rather than talk. You have the power in your hands. It is possible to have home made energy. You just have to decide whether you want to commit or continue to spew toxins into the environment.

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