Green Planet and Me

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In our quest for becoming a greener Earth, one of the best solutions is the continued usage and utilization of hydroelectric energy. Hydroelectric energy is created by utilizing the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. This process is quite reminiscent of the way that wind energy is created. Most people don’t know, but roughly 7% of the utilized power in the United States is created using hydroelectric energy.

 
One common procedure to do so is by damming up water flowing in a river behind a large concrete wall. This water holds a large amount of potential energy. As it falls from the dam, it flows through a turbine with rotary blades. Electromagnets spin within the turbine as the water flows through it and a current is created. The energy is transferred to coils. These coils take the current to a transformer and the voltage is multiplied for transmission to homes and businesses through power lines.

 
This rather elegant method of creating energy without drilling for coal or burning fossil fuels enables us to benefit from a natural resource to create hydroelectric energy. This energy source not only does not pollute the Earth’s atmosphere but also reduces green house gasses, and consequently, the threat of global warming. Better yet, this energy is virtually limitless, as the water from streams and rivers is provided by rain fall and is naturally replenished.

 
Other advantages of this energy are that water is also a generally an available resource in many countries and eliminates the cost of the fuel used for this power source. Once hydroelectric power plants are built on waterways they are relatively inexpensive to operate. As the technology continues to mature, it is likely that power resource will become even more efficient and widespread.

 
Regardless of the source of electricity, whether it is created using wind, water, oil or coal, the benefits we gain are endless. Currently, water provides the electricity needed for homes and businesses around the world. This electricity operates everything from house hold appliances to wireless devices and large production equipment. Hydroelectric energy can also be stored to be later used in a motor vehicle to reduce our dependence on fuel.

 

 

 

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Biomass is matter normally thought of as garbage or waste. The majority of it consists of old or dead trees, tree branches, leaves, yard clippings, old crops, wood chips, bark as well as tires or other rubber products - and even livestock manure.

All of these elements can be combined to produce Biomass Energy through the process of burning or heating the materials to release the stored solar energy within. Biomass Energy is a very safe, Eco-friendly power source that can be replenished indefinitely as long as the energy necessary for the process is not greater than the energy that is actually released from the biomass (a common myth).

Throughout history, biomass has been a major source of energy; this has been practiced for millennia by man in a simple manner: by burning it to produce heat. Biomass Energy is still created by this method to this day. The heat from Biomass Energy can be used directly, for heating, cooking, and industrial processes. Consequently, things that most people would consider to be trash or garbage, can actually be used to produce heat, electricity, or even fuel.

Most people aren’t aware of the fact, but biomass is commonly used. For example, California produces more than 60 million tons of biomass each year, of which a total of 5 million tons is converted into Biomass Energy for electricity. This Biomass Energy comes from the lumber mill and urban wood wastes, forest and agricultural resides and other feed stocks to help produce a renewable energy source.

There multiple ways to use biomass to create energy:

• When plant matter is heated (but not burned), it breaks down into various forms such as gases, liquids and solids. These can be processed and refined into useful fuels. These fuels can either be burned in gas turbines to create electricity, or be stored in fuel cells and later used to create electricity when necessary. The advantage of this process is that very few emissions are created - and at times none.
• By using biochemical methods, equivalent to fermentation, it’s possible to convert biomass into a combustible fuel. This fuel can be burned to create power and heat.
• Biomass oil, such as soybean and canola oil, can be chemically converted to liquid fuel that can be used to create “biodiesel” fuel for trucks.
• Biomass can also be used to create compost, which is decayed plant or food products mixed together in a pile and spread out to help plants grow.

No matter what method we use the outcome is the same, a cleaner, safer energy. Each improvement in the Biomass conversion technology means we’re that much closer to a cleaner environment and a safer energy source for everybody.

Please take a look at our composting section, which provides links to products that convert Biomass Energy to compost that can be used for your garden.

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One great way that we are able to reduce the negative effects of reliance on fossil fuel, is through wind energy. This is a renewable and constantly available source of energy. And several ways have been created to convert this resource in to usable energy without polluting our surroundings.

 
Wind is created when the cold and warm air mix close to the earth’s surface. We can take this wind energy and convert it through the use of wind turbines. These machines create mechanical energy by capturing the vigorous force of the wind and converting through the turbine. The mechanical energy is then used to run a generator that is able to produce electricity. The entire process is a clean, non polluting, way to take an readily available resource and transfiguring it into a usable source of electricity.

 
The advantages of this resource and the ability to convert it into a useful energy for the common people and world are extensive. Wind energy can change the way things have been done for years. We have long used limited fossil fuels and continue to pay dearly for this “privilege”, as can be seen at the gas pumps. Not only is this an expensive proposition, it will come to an end one day, and if we have no other option, it will leave us with a major problem. Wind is a widely found resource that is constantly renewable as long as the sun comes up each day. It is also comparably inexpensive and its conversion does not emit toxic gases.

 
On an individual basis, we can make sure our homes are running as efficiently as possible through proper fitting, double paned windows, proper insulation and upgrading your heating and air conditioning units. Then if one desires, there is the option of owning your own small wind energy system. You will see a decrease in your monthly electric bill of 50% - 90% by installing one of these systems. There are some concerns that must be researched, however, prior to purchasing one of these systems. Do you have enough wind in your area to run one, are tall towers allowed in your neighborhood and will you be in your home long enough to reap the benefits? If you answer yes to all of the above, this maybe a green option for you.

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The sun shines every day and yet few people ever stop to consider the vast amount of energy that it provides. We reap its benefits directly in the form of heat and daylight but solar energy can do so much more if only we take the time to harness it. Through the use of solar technology the energy of the sun can be turned into other useful forms of energy to power many of our modern needs. In our energy dependent society this underutilized resource can provide so much of what we need if only we harness its potential.

 
One of the first things that people think of when they consider using the sun’s energy is solar panels or photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and turn it into electric power that can be used to power houses, offices, factories and other buildings. Solar energy is also used in solar powered water heaters, most commonly for household use. There are even portable solar powered battery chargers and green batteries on the market which are a great boon for those who camp or who may need to charge up their batteries away from home.

 
Passive solar is another concept that is very useful in building design. By designing a home to allow more of the sun’s rays in during winter months heating costs can be greatly reduced.

 
Much has been said over the years about the environmental advantages of solar energy. It seems obvious that using sunlight for power is a smart choice. Other energy sources may belch smoke into the air or generate hazardous waste. They may burn up non-renewable resources, which does not bode well for the future when these resources run out. Not so with solar power! Each morning a new supply of the sun’s energy is available ready to be collected and put to use.

 
It is easy to see that whether solar power is used to heat water for household use, to generate electricity, or even to power an automobile it is a valuable option to supplement or replace our current technology and to protect the earth’s valuable resources. Over the long term the cost of solar energy both to the planet and to the pocketbook are much less. As more solar installations solar power begins to gain more acceptance and enthusiasm. This spurs on further development to make the solar technology that is available better and better.

 
Request a free residential solar evaluation.