Climate change and renewable energy

Climate scientists have warned for many years about the dire consequences from fossil fuel dependence. Scientists are asking people to analyze their energy usage because of alarming climate change trends.  Renewable and sustainable energy resources help reduce our ecological footprint. Combined with reduced energy usage, pollution is decreased significantly. Many actions 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 impact by using energy, most of which is produced by burning fossil fuels. 

What Is a Carbon Footprint?

As a planet, we no longer have the luxury of ignorance of environmental issues. We must learn what activities pollute and how to become a more environmentally aware consumer. A carbon footprint is a measurement of the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the activities in your daily life. The principal 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 understood that humans are producing more greenhouse gases than ever before. These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing the planet to warm up and changing our overall climate. Your carbon footprint measures the amount of potential impact your daily life has on the environment. By reducing 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 several sustainable sources of power. Accessing that energy can be problematic. Solar energy is the most common sustainable source of energy. These resources can be used indefinitely without ever running out. For instance, wood can be used to build 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 emit any greenhouse gases and provide steady sources of energy, which make them vital to reduce greenhouse emissions.  Materials such as wood or ethanol are sustainable resources as well, however they emit greenhouse gases when burned.

Switch to solar to become a more aware citizen

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

When planning to buy or build a new home, consider one built 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 homes include solar panels for lighting, heat, and cooling.

Solar energy reduces our carbon footprint

Sustainable resources reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also help by changing 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 possible. However, by far the most effective way to lessen your carbon footprint is to install solar panels on your roof. Weatherproofing your house and changing the light bulbs and appliances to energy efficient versions reduce the amount of energy your household requires. In the final analysis, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is through a combination of energy consciousness and sustainable resources.

Now is a terrific time to join the solar revolution!

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. 

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles