We’ve been relying on fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil to power our lives for years. But this has to stop, and quickly. We need to make the shift to renewable energy sources that don’t give off the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
By renewable energy, we mean energy that comes from the earth’s natural resources that won’t run out – like wind, wave, and sunlight. Some of the main types of renewable energy being used today are solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.
Check out this three-minute overview from National Geographic on the main renewable energy sources and how they work:
Going green
Many of us are concerned about our carbon footprint (not to mention feeling the bite of rising fuel prices). So, how can we use more renewable energy at home to lower our carbon footprint, improve air quality, and potentially lower costs?
Depending on where you live, here are a just a few environmentally friendly options which could be worth looking into:
- Install solar panels
- Invest in a small wind turbine
- Choose a biomass heating system
- Get an air source heat pump
- Pick a green energy supplier
Being sustainable is hugely important to us at Ortho and we’re committed to generating clean energy at our global locations. Our on-site solar panels and cogeneration units offset enough energy to power 875 typical European homes every year, and we’re always looking for even better ways to cut our carbon footprint.