What is Green Energy - It's all around us. We can see it, feel it, touch it and even consume it. Sounds a little bizarre right? Well, it's quite true but what on earth is it?
Primarily, I'm talking about sun and wind - sources of clean, natural energy, more commonly known as green energy.
There are also 3 other sources of Green Energy in use today and these are in the form of tidal energy (water), biofuel and geothermal. However, the more common forms of green energy resources are solar and wind.
Solar energy is very basically the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity and are used to power almost anything ranging from small calculators and watches, right up to huge satellites which orbit the earth. All TV and communications satellites are powered by solar energy using solar technology.
You need an infinite stretch of time ahead of you to start to think, infinite energy to make the smallest decision. The world is getting denser. The immense number of useless projects is bewildering. Too many things have to be put in to balance up an uncertain scale. You can’t disappear anymore. You die in a state of total indecision.
—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)
Wind energy is simply the conversion of wind energy into electricity. This is achieved by using a wind turbine. Wind Turbines are a great resource of natural green energy and are often used in conjunction with solar panels or as an alternative to solar energy. The benefits and uses of Wind energy are such that wind is actually the fastest growing energy source worldwide.
These energy sources are generally natural, renewable and endless sources of energy used to generate thousands of hours worth of electricity and power for numerous uses all across the world. These forms of energy are much cleaner forms of energy since they cause far less pollution than the traditional burning of fossil fuels by emitting no carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions.
They create less pollution and in turn are much more environmentally friendly forms of energy.
On a very basic level, the electricity we currently use in our homes is mostly generated at a power station. This is basically done by using large electromechanical generators which are driven by heat engines fueled by burning fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal. This method pollutes the earth by emitting carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions into the earths atmosphere.
Three elements go to make up an idea. The first is its intrinsic quality as a feeling. The second is the energy with which it affects other ideas, an energy which is infinite in the here-and-nowness of immediate sensation, finite and relative in the recency of the past. The third element is the tendency of an idea to bring along other ideas with it.
—Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914)
We all easily make a big difference at home. By installing solar panels or a wind turbine, you can harness the power of nature and provide your home with an almost limitless supply of clean, green energy.
I hope you enjoyed this very brief insight into green energy and what constitutes being a green energy source.
It's a sad fact that we are all guilty of contributing one way or another to the polluting of our own planet. However, this need not be the case with so many free, renewable and Green Energy Resources available to us and we can start to do our bit right at home.
We should all consider Making a Difference by doing our bit for the planet to ensure it's long term sustainability for generations to follow.