Supplies of fossil fuels are dwindling, and some people claim that we’ve already reached peak oil—the point at which we have extracted the maximum rate of oil supplies hidden in the earth. But there’s a more compelling reason, as far as we’re concerned: The effects of harvesting and burning fossil fuels are damaging the environment in ways that we humans may never be able to fix.

Scientists have directly correlated the use of fossil fuels to climate change. Most scientists claim (though a few holdouts still disagree) that changes in the climate are severely impacting the weather, causing increasingly violent storms, more flooding in some areas and widespread drought in others. This year (2011) is a perfect example.

If you’re looking for a bit of education on the damage that climate change plays, I would suggest that you rent or borrow the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. There’s never been a more critical time to make changes in the way we live. And installing renewable energy is an important first step.

Whether you’re building, buying, or remodeling your living space, consider the advantages of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. Look at the costs and potential difficulties. Weigh them against the advantages. Then decide for yourself whether it makes sense to use one or more of these alternative energy sources in your home.

Consider the Advantages

One of the greatest advantages of renewable energy is that it is clean energy and produces a minimal carbon footprint. There’s still a footprint, mind you. But it’s far less than blowing up mountains for coal or the devastation of a Gulf oil spill.

You will find that there are more jobs created with the use of renewable energy, and these green jobs are more likely to stay in your own country (in our case, the U.S.). Many of these positions offer good pay and benefits to workers.

Another one of the advantages of renewable energy is that the government is stepping up and providing tax credits and incentive programs for people who choose to install renewable energy technology. There are currently federal tax credits available for people who choose to install solar power. These federal tax credits make up 30 per cent of the value of solar systems and can be used for both commercial and residential properties.

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage of installing renewable energy is often cited as cost. But this doesn’t have to paralyze you into inaction. Start small. Try out a DIY project made from recycled materials (you’ll find links to some in articles on this site). Look for tax breaks and rebates.

Another disadvantage can be rigid city regulations. Be sure to investigate all applicable laws and regulations before you invest time and money into green energy, especially in a DIY project. Get permits. Have a licensed electrician, plumber, or other specialist do any required inspections. Play with the rules, not against them, and you’ll have a project that adds value to your home for years to come.

Green Communities

As renewable energy becomes more affordable, we’re seeing an increase in green communities. The people in these communities work hard at being environmentally conscious citizens, and do what they can to improve the environment and the world that we live in.

Green communities promote certain environmental policies that require more energy efficiency and cut down on pollution and environmental degradation. You can find examples of these in National Geographic‘s annual Green Guide.

Additional Resources

Here are a few helpful articles from our other blog, Blue Planet Green Living. Some include tips you can immediately put to work. We hope you find them good reading:

Energy-Wise Landscape Design: How can you maximize you outdoor environment to minimize the need for heat and cooling? This book provides a wealth of DIY tips for home and business owners.

Francis Thicke on Renewable Energy Resources: Francis Thicke is a highly respected scientist and an organic farmer. He ran for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2010 against a representative of Big Ag. We think Thicke’s ideas are worth spreading. Please share this post if you agree.

Improve Your Home and Save Taxes with a Green Mortgage: If you’re serious about installing green energy in your home, be sure you look into all possible state, federal, and utility-company tax breaks. This article will help you get started.

Sustainability—A Personal Journey, by Stuart Rose: Want some real-life inspiration? Stuart Rose and his wife not only created their own energy-independent home, they started a small, green community. Rose’s story tells us it’s not only possible, it can also be beautiful.

J.M. Ratliff

Publisher

Green Energy Guru