Individual repercussions of solar power

Climate scientists have urged us to wake up for many years concerning the dire consequences of fossil fuel dependence. Scientists are asking people to scrutinize their energy usage because of frightening climate change trends.  Renewable and sustainable energy resources help diminish our ecological footprint. Combined with reduced energy usage, pollution is lessened significantly. Many steps we take on a daily basis can be measured by their carbon footprint. As power usage increases, so does our environmental impact. Homes, automobiles, and possessions all contribute to this impression by using energy, most of which is produced by burning fossil fuels.

What Is a carbon footprint?

We no longer have the luxury of ignorance of environmental matters. We must determine what activities pollute and how to become a more environmentally aware customer. A carbon footprint is a measurement of the volume of greenhouse gases produced by the activities in your daily life. The main source of greenhouse gas is burning fossil fuels. That includes the gas in your car and the coal burned at your power plant. Scientists long ago realized that humans are producing more greenhouse gases than ever before. These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, making the planet warm up and changing our overall climate. Your carbon footprint measures the amount of potential impact your daily life has on the environment. By diminishing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by your lifestyle, you can lessen your footprint and help slow climate change on Earth.

What are sustainable resources?

The earth provides various sustainable sources of power. Obtaining that energy can be problematic. Solar energy is the most popular sustainable source of energy. These resources can be used endlessly without ever running out. For example, wood can be used to make structures or burned for fuel, and trees can be replanted to replenish the supply of wood. Sunlight does not need to be replaced --- as long as the sun shines, we can make use of solar energy. Solar, wind, water and geothermal energy do not release any greenhouse gases and provide steady sources of energy, which make them indispensable to reduce greenhouse emissions.  Materials such as wood or ethanol are sustainable resources as well, however they spew greenhouse gases when burned.

How to use renewable forms of power

Many of our daily activities depend on electricity, and most of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Most power plants build electricity by burning coal or natural gas. Switching to renewable energy can be a challenge for some users, but it is more possible than ever before due to the declining cost of solar panels. Contact your utility company to ask about purchasing green power. Many utilities can sell you electricity produced using sustainable methods, including solar and wind energy, through your existing power lines.

When preparing to buy or build a new home, consider one constructed with sustainable materials including recycled wood or other "green" technologies. Decking, floors and even insulation can be made from recycled wood and plastics. Some new places include solar panels for lighting, heat, and cooling.

Solar energy decreases our carbon footprint

Sustainable resources reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also help by altering some of your lifestyle choices. For instance, you might sell your gasoline-powered car and buy an electric hybrid --- or you could save gas by carpooling to work and telecommuting when feasible. However, by far the most effective way to decrease your carbon footprint is to install solar panels on your roof. Weatherproofing your house and changing the light bulbs and appliances to energy efficient variants reduce the amount of energy your household requires. In the final analysis, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is with a mixture of energy consciousness and sustainable resources.

Now is a tremendous time to join the solar revolution!

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