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While
the technology for producing clean energy exists, the funding to get more clean
energy sources off the ground and phasing out fossil fueled energy sources,
which are significant contributors of Carbon Dioxide, and ultimately, global
warming, still has a ways to go. Great progress, however, has and continues to
be made in making "green" energy available to the masses.
One of the most
effective ways to further the growth of green energy - namely, wind and methane
powered energy - is by purchasing renewable energy credits (RFC's). If you live
in an area where there are renewable energy generators supplying green energy to
your power grid, you can ensure that these renewable energy sources continue to
supply clean energy to your power grid by purchasing renewable energy credits.
Even if you do not live in an area where renewable energy supplies your power
grid, you can help fund new projects and existing alternative energy sources to
ensure they continue growing and eventually make it to your power grid -
Ultimately replacing fossil fuel energy sources.
The way RFC's
work is that you first need to locate a place where you can obtain a renewable
energy certificate. NativeEnergy.com is one of the best in our opinion. Give
them a visit and at the very least you can find out plenty of more information
about renewable energy credits and new alternative energy projects. Next, make
use of the Carbon Dioxide footprint calculator to determine how much Carbon
Dioxide you are individually responsible for contributing to the environment.
Once you know your CO2 footprint, you will also know how many renewable energy
credits you will need to offset your contribution of CO2.
Energy Renewable
Credits do not cost that much folks. If you can afford a little at the end of
each month, it is a very worthy cause. Some say it is a cause we cannot afford
to lose. For instance, my wife and I do not own a vehicle and so our energy
usage is going to be lower than those folks who do drive. Based on our monthly
electric and gas bill, our offset is only $5 per month. Enter your information
into a CO2 footprint calculator to find out what your offset will be. It's that
easy.
An offset does
not actually remove the CO2 you contributed to the environment. What it does do,
however, is provide kickbacks to the renewable energy providers to help more
projects get funded and built. By doing this, you are ensuring that demand is
driving the supply - a natural law of economics. CO2 offsetting is simply taking
responsibility for the pollution you cannot avoid contributing to.
Remember, all
energy that is fed into power grids, whether it be green or fossil fueled, is
equally shared amongst the recipients of that grid. In other words, everybody
receives the same energy because all energy is the same on the receiving
end. However, the environmental effects on the giving end (our energy sources)
are very different. Also keep in mind that wind powered energy and methane
abatement are actually cheaper sources of energy. You might have to pay a little
more now, but it will save you money in the long run. If you don't do it for
yourself, at least consider doing it for the next generation. If you can afford
it, every little bit helps.
Author: Ry
CONSERVATION TIPS
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