KNOWLEDGE CENTER
About Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy or "Green Power" is electricity that is generated from resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydro facilities. Generally, this term refers to sources of power that may either be easily replenished by nature or replenished continuously by the activities of man. Renewable energy produces much less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal, and in many cases produces no emissions at all.
Generally, renewable energy produces little or no emissions. Relying on dirty power sources translates into air and water pollution, as well as the social costs associated with waste cleanup and health problems. The main benefit of renewable energy is that it stops these problems before they start. Another important benefit of renewable energy is that we can access it right here at home. This benefit allows us to avoid heavily importing to meet our fossil fuel needs, which often creates political and economic dependencies that drive our nation's foreign policy.
A Growing Concern
Who cares? You, your family and friends, employers? In fact, the majority of Americans (78%) believe air pollution is an important issue, and that corporations do not do enough to care for the environment.
A recent study of more than 800 MBAs found more than 97% of respondents said they'd forfeit financial benefits to work for an organization with a better reputation for Corporate Social Responsibility and ethics.
In 2006, several top National publications, including Time, Newsweek, Business Week, and Vanity Fair featured the Environment as their cover story. According to Time Magazine (April 3, 2006), 49% of respondents described the issue of global warming as "extremely important" with most of them expressing their desire for the U.S. government, U.S. businesses, and the American people to take further action to stop or reverse global warming in the next year.
What's encouraging about this mainstream media coverage is that within the stories of dire projections for the health of the planet are facts about what you can do to be part of the solution. Reducing your own energy consumption and committing to offset the energy you do consume is one way to make a positive impact on the environment.