Everybody wants green energy. What is the best way to achieve being able to get the power we need without damaging the environment, which is our obvious goal? Should we be opting for wind farms, hydroelectricity, or solar energy as alternative power? This guide to green living will help us decide
Renewable Energy is energy created from resources that are regenerative – or renewable – meaning they cannot be depleted. Producing energy with resources like these without harmful pollutants associated with fossil fuels are safe for our environment.
Wind farms often receive a bad press, especially when they’re situated near homes or in popular hiking areas. They can make a lot of noise and because they have to be placed on skylines for maximum efficiency they often spoil views. Offshore wind farms are less problematic in this way and can take advantage of fierce sea winds, increasing their output, but they rely on a nation having a lot of suitable coastline.
While the Netherlands does very well with its wind farms, the US is, considering the comparative size of its population, at a distinct disadvantage. For the home-owner, small wind-powered generators are available, but they’re not very efficient and often result in complaints from neighbors.
Hydroelectricity is a much more effective way of generating power, using the natural energy of rivers or tidal forces. However, there are a limited number of suitable locations for hydroelectric generators, and often these are in areas which already provide fertile farmland, so a lot of people have to be displaced and lose their land in order for them to be built. Local wildlife can also be damaged.
Solar power alone passes the test of truly being practical, easy to access and non-polluting at the same time. Even when it is frequently cloudy, modern solar panels can still work effectively. They require very little maintenance and once installed do not get in any ones way. For these reasons, the greenest way to generate the power we need is by harnessing the power of the sun.
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