Wind energy is a converted form of solar energy. The sun’s radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates—most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind.

Air has mass, and when it is in motion, it contains the energy of that motion — “kinetic energy.” Some portion of that energy can converted into other forms — mechanical force or electricity — that we can use to perform work.

How does wind energy work?

A wind energy system transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use. Wind flows through turbines which create energy that can be used for electricity.

There are two basic designs of wind electric turbines: vertical-axis, or “egg-beater” style, and horizontal-axis (propeller-style) machines. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are most common today, constituting nearly all of the “utility-scale” (100 kilowatts, kW, capacity and larger) turbines in the global market.

The Future of Wind Energy

The U.S. wind energy industry turned in a solid performance in 2004, adding 389 megawatts (MW) of new generating equipment to the nationwide fleet, or enough to serve more than 100,000 average homes, according to AWEA.

How many homes can one megawatt of wind energy supply?

An average U.S. household uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. One megawatt of wind energy can generate between 2.4 million and 3 million kWh annually. Therefore, a megawatt of wind generates about as much electricity as 240 to 300 households use. It is important to note that since the wind does not blow all of the time, it cannot be the only power source for that many households without some form of storage system. The “number of homes served” is just a convenient way to translate a quantity of electricity into a familiar term that people can understand. (Typically, storage is not needed, because wind generators are only part of the power plants on a utility system, and other fuel sources are used when the wind is not blowing.)

How much energy can wind realistically supply to the U.S.?

Wind energy could supply about 20% of the nation’s electricity, according to Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, a federal research lab. Wind energy resources useful for generating electricity can be found in nearly every state.

U.S. wind resources are even greater, however. North Dakota alone is theoretically capable (if there were enough transmission capacity) of producing enough wind-generated power to meet more than one-third of U.S. electricity demand.

What is needed for wind to reach its full potential in the U.S.?

Consistent policy support

Over the past five years (1999-2003), the federal production tax credit has been extended twice, but each time Congress allowed the credit to expire before acting, and then only approved short durations. The PTC expired again December 31, 2003, and as of March 2004 had still not been renewed. These expiration-and-extension cycles inflict a high cost on the industry, cause large lay-offs, and hold up investments. Long-term, consistent policy support would help unleash the industry’s pent-up potential.

Nondiscriminatory access to transmission lines

Transmission line operators typically charge generators large penalty fees if they fail to deliver electricity when it is scheduled to be transmitted. The purpose of these penalty fees is to punish generators and deter them from using transmission scheduling as a “gaming” technique to gain advantage against competitors, and the fees are therefore not related to whether the system operator actually loses money as a result of the generator’s action. But because the wind is variable, wind plant owners cannot guarantee delivery of electricity for transmission at a scheduled time. Wind energy needs a new penalty system that recognizes the different nature of wind plants and allows them to compete on a fair basis.

New transmission lines

The entire transmission system of the wind-rich High Plains, which cover the central one-third of the U.S., needs to be extensively redesigned and redeveloped. At present, this system consists mostly of small distribution lines—instead, a series of new high-voltage transmission lines is needed to transmit electricity from wind plants to population centers. Such a redevelopment will be expensive, but it will also benefit consumers and national security, by making the electrical transmission system more reliable and by reducing shortages and price volatility of natural gas.

Transmission will be a key issue for the wind industry’s future development over the next two decades.

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It is important to understand the significance that global warming has on not only our earth, but our daily lives as well. It’s also important to understand the effects of global warming that our children and grandchildren will experience in the years to come if things continue the way they are now.

First, it’s important to understand that “Global Warming” is also known as the “Greenhouse effect”. Instead of a plastic or glass shield, the earth has around it a series of atmospheric gases consisting mostly of nitrogen and oxygen molecules. The earth is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it would be if it didn’t have those atmospheric gases surrounding it. They keep the earth warm and protected from excess UV (Ultra Violet) rays from the sun. Once warmed, their molecules then radiate a portion of this heat energy back to earth, creating more warming on the surface of our planet. It is this radiation which causes atmospheric gases to move back to earth that scientists call the “greenhouse effect”.

Much debate in the last five years about the greenhouse effect has centered on interpreting temperature numbers generated at weather stations all over the world. The data from these thermometers are averaged and plotted in attempts to determine just how fast the earth has heated up since the measurements began. There is now no doubt the world is getting warmer. The thermometers show that the world is warmer now than at any time since the measurements started. The year 1990 was the hottest year in the last century. Together with 1991, the years of 1983, 1987, 1988, and 1989, have been measured to be the warmest 6 years in the last hundred years. 1991 was the second warmest year of the past century, perhaps due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo during that year. The ash from the volcano in the upper atmosphere blocks some sunlight to earth, and is expected to generate a temporary two or three year cooling effect. After that time, most ash particles will have settled back to earth, and most scientists expect to see the global warming trend continue.

According to scientists, we can with “99% confidence conclude that current temperatures represent a real warming trend rather than a chance fluctuation over the 30-year period.” Most scientists agree that the planet’s temperature has risen 0.5 degrees Celsius since 1900, and will continue to increase at an increasing rate. The environment is responding to this warming. For instance, a study of mountain plants in the Alps (Europe), shows that some cold-loving plants are starting to move to higher and cooler altitudes. That is a possible response to increasing temperatures.
The global effects of the greenhouse effect cannot be directly predicted simply because we do not have enough knowledge in the subject. However, we have been able to draw direct connections between certain natural phenomenon that supports the idea that something is changing.

Global warming has great effect on crops and weather conditions around the world. The northern hemisphere contains more land area than the southern hemisphere, and conversely, a lower percentage of the world’s oceans. Since oceans absorb more heat than land areas, it is not surprising that most climate models predict faster heating over the northern hemisphere than the global average. In addition, models predict faster temperature increases at higher latitudes. If global warming trends continue, high temperatures everywhere in the US may reduce US agricultural productivity.

Northern continental areas are projected to have drier summer soils, due in part to earlier snow melts in the spring, and hotter, more cloudless summers, causing extensive evaporation of ground moisture. In addition, if the inland areas of the northern hemisphere are expected to receive less moisture, then, lake and river levels will be lower. Some reports predict the level of the Great Lakes will drop between 2 and 8 feet. River flows in the western US may be very vulnerable to increase temperatures expected as result of the greenhouse effect.

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Sometimes it takes more than one to push the boundaries of technology. It seems that no matter how much renewable energy marketing is actively propagated it seems that there are just some that can’t maintain their composure and just dissolve in thin air.

Renewable energy company owners are more often than not optimistic that it could sustain a considerable number of houses and can talk owners into converting to solar paneled roof tops to cut energy costs.

First, not all consumers are as optimistic as the company. Sure consumers are open for talks and introductions but purchasing is another thing. Unless current energy resources are all flushed down the toilet, consumers will just find ways in saving up without converting into renewable energy.

Take for example the water powered car. We’ve heard of it and it has been on sale for more than a year but how many people actually owns them? The initial cost of a hydro-car costs as much as $5000 for a two-seater car. For a tiny car, you might want to pause and think.

Second, large scale renewable energy plants require a certain amount of land. In cases of hydro-electric plants a construction of a large dam is a must. It takes money and good fore sight to make everything work.

Dams that are built in a poorly results to unsightly calamities so good fore sight is needed to guarantee stability and of the dam. Energy plants need the luxury of space in order to operate properly. On the other hand, in most parts of the world, space is scarce and is demand than ever.

Third, it is too darn costly at the start. Unless a renewable energy company is an off shoot of a larger more stable company, small renewable energy company crumbles within the first few years of it being established.

The demand for renewable energy materials are is just too low at the moment. No matter how aware people are, converting their household into eco friendly homes may take them a back before they try it out. It takes weeks of thinking before people change all their lighting from incandescent to energy saving fluorescent bulbs.

How much more thinking would you think it will require for them to install a solar panel or a wind mill to cut down energy costs by half?

Fourth, innovator and manufacturer misunderstanding can lead the renewable energy company to crumble. If the company is dependent on a manufacturer other than them manufacturing the products, misunderstanding can easily break the ties of the two companies. Thus leading the other to fall apart and die.

It is a different case however if the company manufacture their own products. Nonetheless, small scale renewable energy companies can not afford such production especially if small quantities are asked to be produced.

Production cost would be higher therefore market price is higher than mainstream renewable energy companies.

Lastly, after the hype of renewable energy marketing, the idea burns out and takes an exit on the scene. Harsh but true, once local television networks stops advocating the use of it, the hype disappears and so is the hope of selling these products.

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Generating power through wind is not only efficient but also renewable like solar energy. The only downside is that a tall, moderately sized generator can be a sore eye and spoil the visual landscape, leading to murmurs of disapproval among neighbours. Think about this before you go ahead and think about how to generate wind energy in your area. However, if you do not live in a very populated area and your neighbors consent to your wind energy project, there could be nothing more beneficial to harness the potential of such a natural and renewable resource called wind.

Getting Help in the Start

If you are wondering how to generate wind energy, the British Wind Energy Association or BWEA is a good professional source of services and information for initiating projects related to wind energy. This professional body continuously organizes and manages several initiatives to propagate the use of wind as a source of energy across the country and its residences. It has information on local suppliers of wind systems and information on grants and permissions.

The ‘Energy Saving Trust’ which is backed by the government also provides provide advice on several issues for both companies and individuals and companies desiring to install wind generators on a small scale.

Other Practicalities like Cost and Savings

The cost of wind generators should fall in the range of 3000 pounds -15000 pounds for each kilowatt. This is as competitive as solar and actually slightly cheap when compared to the high output it generates. It is also expected to generate higher output in a year compared to its output in the previous year. Your wind generator should break even in about five years and the way the prices of normal energy sources are increasing, the returns of a wind generator will surely increase over a period of time.

How to Position Your Turbine

It is best to place the turbine high if you want to get the most of the wind strength without any obstructions. Also make sure to measure the wind strength in your locality so that you can place the turbine facing the direction where the wind is prevailing. To measure the wind strength, you can either buy or hire an anemometer. You can also get the person installing your wind generator to do that.

Battery or Grid?

A battery can be connected to wind generators of small scale to provide electricity to your house. The other option is to connect the wind generator to the National Grid. The decision to do the former or the latter depends totally on the circumstance. As such there is no major difference except that it will affect the direction of your energy. If you happen to stay in an area that is remote with no access to the National Grid, energy should then be directed to the battery which in turn will be connected to your residence’s mains. If you can easily access the National Grid, get the generator connected to the grid. By connecting to the grid not only will you be benefited from power savings by not using the supply of electricity from the grid, you will also be able to sell surplus electricity to the grid.

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Solar energy facts for kids in New Zealand are considered unnecessary by some. When winter hovers over New Zealand, it may seem that day after day is cloudy and grey – especially in some parts of New Zealand. On such days, it is difficult to imagine that solar energy could supply enough electricity for a New Zealand home. Most areas of New Zealand, however, have plenty of solar energy that can be harnessed.

Solar energy can be calculated with a map such as the one on the Sun Wize website. This is called a world solar insolation map. “Insolation” means it is exposed to the sun’s rays. The map shows how many hours of each day a country is exposed to the sun’s rays – in the worst month of the year. In other words, the map shows how much solar energy the country gets each day.

When you find New Zealand on a world solar insolation map, you will see that most of the country gets between 3 and 5 hours of solar energy each day. Remember that 3 to 5 hours is the amount of solar energy in the worst month! On average, counting good and bad days, New Zealand gets approximately 2000 hours of bright sunshine each year.

Solar Energy Facts for Kids

Solar energy facts for kids might include many things, depending on the age of the children involved. A small child of 6 years might understand only simple concepts such as the heat generated by solar energy. Older children of 14 to 17 can grasp the technology of solar panels and generators, and how they convert solar energy to electrical power.

We will not attempt to sort the following facts by age or importance, but simply present them as a collection of ideas to be explored.

* In New Zealand, a solar energy water heating system can save as much as 75 per cent of your family’s water heating costs.

* The word “photovoltaic” comes 2 words. “Photo” refers to light and “voltaic” refers to electricity. A photovoltaic array system changes solar energy collected from sunlight into electricity.

* Cover the roofs of every New Zealand home in photovoltaic (PV) panels, and together they would convert enough solar energy into power each year to supply more than 25 per cent of New Zealand’s needed electricity.

* Solar energy can provide the total electricity needed by a normal three bedroom New Zealand home that is energy efficient.

* Solar energy is quiet, easy to install, and needs little upkeep from the New Zealand home owner.

* Any New Zealand child can, with a little help, build a solar energy stove to cook a small banger.

* Solar energy has been used for many years by New Zealand mums to dry clothing outdoors.

* Germany, a country that is much cloudier than New Zealand, converts solar energy into electricity more than any other country does.

* Solar energy is greater than you might think on cloudy days, since the sunlight that gets through reflects off the bottoms of the clouds.

* Solar energy can turn ocean water into healthy drinking water.

* Solar energy can be used on boats and ships around New Zealand.

* Solar energy is absolutely free to New Zealanders. No other country can charge money for it.

Suggestion for New Zealand teachers: Have a contest to see which group of students can discover the most solar energy facts for kids. Younger children will have fun simply listing solar energy facts for kids. Older students might be required to expand each discovery statement.

Disclaimer: The author receives no compensation from any company mentioned in this article. The information is presented solely for educational purposes.

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First, renewable energy marketing adds awareness to the people that they have more than one energy options. To switch from traditional energy producers to something that is independent, not to mention compact as a source of energy. Many consumers nowadays are open to explore other possibilities of cutting down costs of electricity without compromising various home activities.

The increasing demand to produce energy has given various renewable energy company opportunities to meet demands of the citizens and by providing continuous and uninterrupted flow of electricity on their homes even on a nationwide black out.

The second would be that renewable energy marketing gives the company a chance to be steward of good will. Marketing involves communication between consumer and company. What do the consumers want? How much are they willing to spend? How would it help the environment? These are essential questions that should be listened to as a company. The earth is growing weaker and weaker with each decade passing by.

The overflowing demands to harvest its natural resources exhaust the land to the point that it is useless for the next generation. As a steward of good will, the advocacy is to promote a sustainable future. Renewable energy marketing establishes the renewable energy company character to the people and having a name that would be distinguished among other.

Third, Renewable energy marketing guides prospective consumers to the right direction. Active marketing entice both target market and possible target market. Renewable energy company exposure builds trust and confidence both within and outside the company. Most people have no idea what renewable energy means or how it works.

To educate the masses better would entice prospective consumers to try out the latest innovation on renewable energy. It would be best if your renewable energy company would take the giant leap towards that awareness.

Fourth, marketing attracts investors! It is not impossible that along side marketing your company’s capability and attracting possible market lure out potential investors. Investing takes double the time of thinking and good fore sight to the side of the investor. With a resounding name to the ears, it would be much easier to attract investors and help the company expand to its maximum potential.

These are just four reasons on why renewable energy marketing is essential to a renewable energy company. Unlike traditional established energy companies, renewable energy is optional and therefore deemed as un-necessary by others. It is important to show the masses that renewable energy is the future of energy consumption.

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Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for your Home

 Due to the high cost of utility usage today coupled with the concerns of our environment by energy waste and pollution, many people around the world are taking a closer look into renewable energy solutions. One of the most popular topics on renewable energy solutions is wind power. Wind is an energy source that is free and constant and will never run out. Ways to harness this power for good use have been implemented down the time. With more efficient technology, one is able to harness all the free wind energy one would need and then some.

The #1 Question:

·        How much does it cost? Is all the equipment of a windmill expensive?

With patience, one could pick up all materials needed and build one for less than $200.00. Some of the materials can even be found for free.

·        How difficult is it to build?

Today?  Not very difficult at all with all the homemade wind generator resources out there. Find a set of plans that are easy, step by step instructions. Make sure there are plenty of diagrams and pictures. And make sure you can understand it. Terminology in layman’s terms obviously is the best. With all the proper pieces, your wind generator can be built in less than a day.

·        How much wind is needed?

Very light winds between 5-15 mph. There is a cut in range, when the blades are beginning to produce power and a survival range, the max wind speed it can handle before the blades “fly off the handle”

·        How much space do I need?

Wind generators that are homemade take up a small footprint. Using an old homeowners radio tower or TV antenna, many times these items are unnoticeable being now immune to our eyes as part of the landscape. If you are storing electricity in batteries, you will need the space of a small trunk to more if your windmill is larger.

·        How do I save money?

Obviously, the less power you have to buy from your local power company, the more you will save.

·        Can I make money by going to a wind generator?

Yes, if you live in a location that offers to buy your excess power. This is called net metering. Check with your local power company to see if they offer incentives such as net metering, credits or rebate programs.

·        Is it safe?

Energy in any form is inherently dangerous. Just as with any industry, there are hazards for those who work with wind energy, dealing with high winds, heights, and moving machinery such as the spinning of the wind turbine rotor. The damage caused by wind energy is evidenced everywhere. When wind kills, it is well known. Building your own wind generator is safe as long as you put safety 1st.

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3. 11,615 MW of installed wind power

The sun not only gives us light; it also has the ability to provide us with power that may be converted into electricity. The electricity and the heat that we need in our homes can be within reach when we utilize what the sun is able to give us. There are so many solar power advantages that many people have to be aware of, proof that the sun and the power it sends are truly important, especially in this day of rising electricity bills.

One important benefit of solar power is that it is renewable. It is not like oil that can be gone after a certain number of years. True, we may discover another source once oil is gone, but that source may probably be non-renewable as well. Be reminded that the source of solar power is the sun. We do not even have to worry about the sun disappearing. It may rest during the night, but in the morning, we all know that the sun will be back in the sky. Therefore, if we rely on solar power, we are sure that it will never disappear to nothingness.

Another advantage of solar energy is the fact that it is eco-friendly. It does not give off polluting gases e.g. greenhouse gases. People need to care for the environment and using solar power may be a good way of protecting it.

People also do not have to pay for solar power, which is another advantage. The only expenses that you may have to pay stem from solar panel kits and other materials used to make solar panels. Unlike electricity which is a utility that we have to pay monthly, panels that produce solar power are not things that have to be paid regularly. Because of this, solar energy helps us gain big savings.

When extracting solar energy, people will not be bothered by a single noise. Other sources of energy such as oil and wind may have to be extracted through very noisy methods. When it comes to solar power, extraction is on the silent side, which may be viewed as another advantage.

Solar cells are responsible for producing solar energy. This brings us to another advantage of solar power: just a little amount of maintenance. Solar cells, after all, are not composed of ‘moving’ parts, which means that maintenance is very little, or none at all.

Tools that may produce solar power such as solar panels and solar powered lights are also quite easy to set up. This is, of course, one more advantage of relying on solar power.

Solar energy, just like all forms of energy, is not really ’spotless.’ There are also some disadvantages like the tendency for solar energy tools e.g. panels to be expensive as well as the fact that solar energy cannot be produced during the night. Solar power advantages, however, are bigger in number as compared to the disadvantages. Besides, the cons of solar power, if you will notice, can eventually be improved by technology.

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Now-a-days we hear about Climate Change more often than before. Climate change is a global phenomenon and the term “Climate Change” is indeed a straightforward expression for such a complex subject. In fact, it has more than we can comprehend from this phrase and that is why it is quite essential to go at defining climate change in today’s scenario.

In the present glossary of researchers and scientists, climate modification as a term is no longer in use and effect. The reason behind this is that we have come to realize the effect of the changes we make to our environment will eventually increase the temperature in many parts of the world, but at the same time will also be decrease in temperature for few parts of the planet. This however, creates a general imbalance in the climate of the world which in turn leads us to the phrase, “Climate Change.”

While wondering the effects of this phenomenon, the things you know of as climate modification is actually referred to as global a global phenomenon of climate change. However, with all the details and statistics we have in hand at present, we can definitely conclude that the world is unquestionably warming with the temperatures rising like never before.

This is a global problem with many natural disasters started taking shape; the general awareness of this factor is really low. For the better understanding of the issues associated with this phenomenon, we require a simple definition in relation to the warming of the planet. And this definition needs to be the one that brings us the essence of this problem without compromising the simplicities.

However, the easiest and most precise definition is that it is the effect greenhouse gases have on the earth’s overall climate. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane, but are not limited to these two.

While learning more about this issue, we need to understand few important facts associated with it. The first fact is that it is both a natural phenomena and one catalyzed by us. For instance, greenhouse gases are a natural part of the biosphere and would exist if man did not. In fact, these gases are a vital component to the existence of life on this planet.

It is due to the existence of the greenhouse gases, the temperature on planet earth does not average zero degrees! These naturally occurring gases help to keep the temperature at a desirable 59 degrees. But, the climate change, which is due to the greenhouse gases, is not indeed natural. In fact, the problem we are facing is the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

These gases act as thermal blankets for the atmosphere. The more gas in the atmosphere, the thicker the blanket and the less heat escapes from earth. In the last 80years, we have been releasing these gases into our atmosphere and thus helping them to form a blanket.

On the other hand, we are reducing forests around the planet, which are the natural plant collection that absorb greenhouse gases. This double whammy is starting to show negative results, the increased heating of our world, and thus the beginning of the dreaded climate change.

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You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming.

1) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn’t a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

2) Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home.

Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

3) Change a Light Bulb

Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat.

If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4) Drive Less and Drive Smart

Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your community’s mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

5) Buy Energy-Efficient Products

When it’s time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can’t be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

6) Use Less Hot Water

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry.

7) Use the “Off” Switch

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them.

It’s also a good idea to turn off the water when you’re not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You’ll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.

Plant a Tree

If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

9) Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company

Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10) Encourage Others to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming

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