Clean Energy Solutions: What are they, and how can you reduce your carbon footprint?
- Katherine D. Rodriguez
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It seems that you will hear a lot of phrases such as “clean energy,” renewables,” carbon offsets,” zero emissions, and “carbon footprint” every day. Climate change is real. It can have several devastating consequences, from rising global temperatures and sea levels to acidification and extreme weather events. It is important to make some lifestyle and corporate changes.
This guide will teach you about clean energy and ways to reduce your carbon footprint. This guide will also show you how your choice of energy provider can help save the planet.
What Is Clean Energy?
Natural gas and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal are all considered clean energy.
People often mistakenly believe that clean energy is synonymous with renewable energy. However, the terms can be used interchangeably. Natural gas, for example, is not renewable and therefore considered to be relatively clean energy compared to oil and coal-fired power production. Natural gas, like all fossil fuels is irreplaceable once it’s used up.
Renewable energy is constantly replenished from renewable sources. Examples of renewable energy include hydroelectric, solar, wind and even hydroelectric. These resources are always available, even though they may not be as abundant in certain seasons, like when there is more sun during the summer or more wind energy in spring.
We have more cost-effective options to produce energy than ever before, including sun, wind, water, waves, and biofuels made from our waste. Renewable energy accounts for eight percent of the United States’ power generation.
How Does Energy Efficiency Affect Your Impact On The Planet?
Your total greenhouse gas emissions is what you produce each day. This is approximately the global average.
Here are some ways that you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- What type of vehicle you drive. What kind of vehicle you drive. You might leave your vehicle at work and use public transportation. Then you can reserve your car for weekends or special trips. Fossil fuels like oil and coal account for as much as 80% of our energy consumption. They also produce carbon dioxide, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Your food choices are a major contributor to your carbon footprint. Because of the greenhouse gas emissions from cows, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (methane), meat is the most significant contributor. Consuming meat, dairy, and large amounts of fish can have a greater impact on the planet than any other means of transport (trains, airplanes, automobiles, etc.) or industrial plants.
- You choose the energy company from which you purchase your energy. You have the right to choose your own energy provider in a market like Texas that is deregulated. There are many options, and just as many choices. However, not all options are the same. You can help save the planet by selecting a sustainable energy provider such as Just Energy. Just Energy will use a portion of your bill to purchase carbon offsets or renewable energy credits.
- Your personal habits. Are you more comfortable taking long, hot showers than taking short, efficient ones? Are you more likely to use the dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand? (You might be surprised at the more efficient way!) What about drying your laundry? You won’t find anything more fresh or efficient than freshly washed laundry, which is done by drying on the clothesline in the sun and wind. No one is saying that you should give up all creature comforts and conveniences. Even a bubble bath can be a wonderful treat. However, it is possible to help the planet by being conscious of energy conservation in your daily habits.
Does switching to just energy reduce your carbon footprint?
Yes, in a word. Just Energy has done its part to reduce the carbon footprint in many ways. You have the option to choose your energy provider in Texas, a market that is deregulated. Although Just Energy may be one option in a country with many electricity companies, not all companies are equal.
These are just a few of the ways Just Energy could help you become more efficient with your energy:
- A range of green and renewable energy products for residential and commercial customers to offset the carbon impact
- Your patronage allows the company purchase renewable energy credits
- The company supports renewable energies projects as well as emission reduction initiatives throughout North America (U.S.A. and Canada).
- Online information and tips can help you learn more about sustainability and conservation.
- Public access to affordable, transparent energy plans
What Clean Energy Solutions Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
There are many ways you can reduce your energy consumption. Saving energy helps reduce your carbon footprint, which in turn contributes to global warming and climate change. These are some simple ways you can make this happen:
- You can invest in solar power and choose green energy products as part of your energy plan. Just Energy, an energy provider, offers the possibility to have a portion of your electricity produced from clean and renewable energy sources.
- Eat more fresh, raw vegetables and fruits to cook less. Salads and smoothies are a good option. When possible, choose small appliances such as a crockpot or toaster oven, rice cooker, and an energy-saving countertop cookware appliance like Brava. These appliances use less energy. For more inspiration, look for appliances that are Energy Star-certified.
- Switch to an energy-efficient notebook instead of your old desktop computer. The same goes for the large LCD TV you inherited from your parents. You might consider recycling your old LCD TV and buying a flatscreen LED television. Before you buy, make sure to check out Energy Star-approved electronics.