Switching to Green Energy
Switching to green energy is a great way to promote alternative energy and help the environment, but it is not a substitute for reducing your own energy use. The electric grid just can't tell the difference between the electricity generated by windmills and the electricity generated by coal plants.
While buying green energy will decrease the amount of conventional sources used overall, your house will still generate CO2 through the collective grid system. So while we do recommend green energy for the environment, it will not single-handedly solve energy problems for your household or the environment.
*Many people ask us about Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs, as a way to reduce carbon footprints. Renewable Energy Certificates attempt to offset your carbon output by “neutralizing” your CO2 using means such as planting trees. This is not a way to reduce your energy consumption and are generally less efficient than making simple changes to your household. For example, a REC company that plants trees would need to plant 1,000 a year just to offset one family of 4 people. As well, it will not save you any money on energy bills.
For more information on purchasing green energy visit the following websites:
“Montgomery County residents, businesses, and organizations have avoided over 7,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through the purchase of clean energy.” Click on the link, find out more about the program, and join the revolution!
Clean Current manages and purchases green energy for the eco-conscious among us and insures that clean energy is a part of the Potomac region’s energy package. To find out more, visit cleancurrents.com.
“WindCurrent helps commercial power users to offset their electricity usage with clean, renewable Mid-Atlantic wind power.” Find out more by following the link to their website.
“Sterling Planet is a sustainability pioneer and innovative supplier of renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions. Sterling Planet offers comprehensive carbon neutral solutions for businesses, universities and organizations of all types. The company currently is developing next-generation solar and bio-energy projects to produce ‘green power’ and verified carbon offsets and is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders partner, committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its business operations.” Click the link to find out more, and help conserve energy.