Hand drawing symbols of alternative energy sources. Blurred green background. Concept of clean environment.
Renewable energy use has increased 100% over the last decade, making it the fastest-growing energy source in the United States. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about switching to renewable energy to power your home, but you’ve yet to make the leap. If so, then this is the guide for you.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is generated by tapping into a number of naturally-occurring sources such as the wind, sun, and water. The great thing about these sources is it’s highly unlikely that they’ll ever run out. So here are 5 reasons why you should be choosing sustainable and renewable energy over our ever-diminishing fossil fuels.
1. It’s Green and Clean
When it comes to how to reduce your carbon footprint, switching to renewable, clean energy is the way to go! To generate power from fossil fuels you have to burn them. This releases high levels of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into our environment. Renewable energy providers such as Ecotricity produce minimal to zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change is having a huge impact on the planet. We’ve managed to raise atmospheric concentrations of CO2 more in the last 170 years than would ever occur naturally over a 20,000 year period. That’s nothing to be proud of.
The less we rely on fossil fuels the less we have a negative impact on our environment.
2. Help to Improve Public Health
All of those emissions don’t just affect the planet, they affect us as well. Air pollution is thought to contribute to 36,000 early deaths across the UK alone. Things are no better in the US, with almost 50% of the population living in areas where the air is deemed unhealthy for them to breathe.
By switching over to sustainable energy sources you will be reducing the number of pollutants emitted into the air we breathe.
3. Investing in Helping You Spend Less
The initial cost of switching to renewable energy is probably the number one put-off. That’s why it’s important to look at it as an investment. Let’s say the initial cost is $20,000 to install solar energy into your home. The federal solar tax credit will knock 30% off straight away.
$14,000 to install solar energy into your home. That’s still quite a sum for most families. Well, the average American family spends $1,500 each year on electricity. Basically, if your solar energy can account for 100% of your energy use then after 10 years you’ve made your money back and electricity is free!
4. More Control Over Your Electricity
Once you switch over to renewable energy you no longer rely on the national grid. You can even further increase your independence and install batteries so that all your unused electricity is stored for future use.
5. Benefits to the Economy
The number of people working in the green power sector is thought to rise to 24 million by 2030. New jobs will be created in the development, manufacturing, and installation of renewable energy systems. All in all, renewable energy could have a huge impact on our economy.
It’s Time to Switch to Renewable Energy
We have definitely reached a time when it’s crucial that we begin to take care of our environment, and switching over to renewable energy is the best way to help. With these 5 good reasons in mind, perhaps its time for you to make the switch.
Be sure to take a look at the rest of our articles for more on a better you and a better planet.