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What to do and how to do it
The future of energy
Political energy and where to direct it

The future of energy

Right now, we’re working to shrink our carbon footprints by using less of the most common forms of energy. At the same time, better, more sustainable alternatives are being developed.

One that’s available now is geothermal energy - heat from the Earth. Almost everywhere, the shallow ground or upper 10 feet of the Earth’s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50° and 60°F (10° and 16°C). Geothermal heat pumps use this natural resource to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer.

There are also wind and solar power.

Wind power comes from wind farms - clusters of wind-driven electricity-generating turbines. In 2005, wind machines in the United States generated a total of 17.8 billion kilowatt hours per of electricity, enough to serve more than 1.6 million households, or a city the size of Chicago.

Solar power, as its name suggests, uses power from the sun. Like wind power, solar energy doesn’t release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. And once you’ve paid for the solar panels, the power is free. In fact, some solar-powered houses make enough power to run themselves and generate a surplus, which can be sold to the local utility company.

Many utilities around the country offer green pricing options that allow you the choice to buy power from renewable sources. Check yours to see if you this option is available.

Next >> Political energy and where to direct it

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