Before getting into the top three how about a refresher course on what exactly makes an energy source ” Green”. Green energy is energy produce using a method that has the smallest amount of negative environmental impact. Even nuclear energy is considered more “green” than using fossil fuel, mainly because it has a lower output of waste.
The goal of green energy is to leave less of a footprint on the earth. This means that the less change collecting the energy causes the better it will be for the earth and ultimately all that live on the earth. There is no way around some change but it doesn’t have to be so much that the planet cannot recover from it. The preservation of our home is a global effort and each of us have a part to pla. Whether we use rain barrels to conserve rain water, or use a solar fountain to create ecological garden decor, it goes long way.
Any system that creates energy in a certain manner is considered an energy source. It was hard choosing which methods should be in the top three. One that didn’t make it, but deserves an honorable mention is the hydroelectric station. It is green because it uses the currents of the rivers to make electricity. It is not one of the top three because in order to make a great deal of electricity using this method you have to use dams which change the natural flow of rivers and even can kill entire Ecosystems.
Having said all that, now on to “the top three greenest energy sources”. And they are, “drum roll please?”
1. Geothermal Energy – this is a very good way to create the electricity we need without leaving virtually any pollutants behind. Although this form of energy is currently unavailable in most areas it has the least impact on the environment and is totally renewable. It is reliable, cost effective and nothing is friendlier to the environment. It is however limited to the places where the Teutonic plates meet.
2. Photovoltaic Solar Energy – harnessing the power of the sun to make electricity is one of the fastest growing sources of energy. With the new technologies it is jumping light years ahead of where it was just 10 years ago. These days, it is used to power everything from a pool heater to a solar fountain. Although it has only been used for lightweight applications, the potential for so much more is there. Germany and Japan are leading the way in researching more applications for this form of energy production.
3. Energy from the Sea – Tidal stream generators or Barrage generation are the primary methods of generating electricity using the natural flow of the water currents. This does not require the building of dams and it has a very low impact on the area where it is being generated. The apparatus is similar to a wind turbine; the generators rotate underwater and are driven by the swiftly flowing currents. The generators are not being used on a large scale but the potential for greater usage is currently being explored.
There you have it folks. For those who live near flowing rivers and lakes the use of a family tidal generator could supply your home with electricity year round. Solar panels or any of the other alternative energy sources will help you to end your dependency on energy derived from fossil fuels.
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Amy C. invites you to browse delightful collection of solar fountains and rain barrels to create an ecological and sustainable garden decor.
