Green Power and Other Ways to Save Engergy in Our Homes

Did you know that approximately 21% of the world’s global warming pollution roots from the homes here in the United States? By making energy efficient changes in our households we can reduce this pollution by almost 800 million tons! (www.fightglobalwarming.com)

Fossil fuel based energy sources are widely used in U.S. homes: electricity, natural gas, and oil. Currently, our sources of energy – i.e. power plants – are much too inefficient for us to continue using them the way we are. Coal is one major source the United States is highly dependent on for electricity. However, the lengthy process to convert coal into steam into eventually electricity only produces a minimal amount of electricity. There are alternative ways to heat, cool, cook, and provide light that will use less energy in order to achieve the results we are already used to.

Green power, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, may be more costly than what most homes are used to paying for energy sources, but is a highly beneficial alternative: reduces smog, soot, mercury, and acid rain pollution, reduces financial risks by giving us a way other than fossil fuels that can quickly fluctuate to use energy, will create new jobs which in turn will create greater income levels because green power relies on local labor forces. Wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and energy from biomass will decrease heat-trapping pollution significantly.

Although at one time we did not have choice of who, or what “brand,” would supply our energy for our homes, that is no longer the case anymore. Gradually, this green power is becoming more widely available.

In addition to green power, there are a number of simple tasks people could get in the habit of in order to save energy…and money. In the summertime, keep the shades drawn to keep the cool air inside. In winter months, do the opposite – open the shades so natural light can heat up a room, and try to keep the thermostat cool in the nighttime or when no one is home. There are also programmable thermostats that can be installed now that heat or cool only when needed. Planting a few extra trees in the yard can give a little extra shade to reduce air conditioning costs in the summer. Insulating both your home’s walls and ceilings will keep either cool or warm from escaping. By replacing your old roof with one lighter in color, or more reflective, you will also keep unwanted heat out.

There is no reason why the United States should account for up one-fifth of the world’s global warming pollution. If we all make some changes by rethinking energy sources we use in our homes, it will make have a positive impact on our earth, and also our wallets.

www.fightglobalwarming.com