Many people are attempting to reduce their carbon footprint and some even are opting to try and live off the grid. These days, it is easier than ever to bypass traditional sources of energy and opt for greener, more environmentally-friendly choices.
Electricity comes to our homes from several different sources, one of which is coal, and this is particularly bad for the environment. Nearly half of all Americans receive their electricity from coal, and about 20% rely on nuclear energy. While nuclear power might not spew carbon into the atmosphere, the nuclear waste poses many risks to the environment, and it is difficult to transport and store. Natural gas is yet another energy source and while it is cleaner than coal, it is considered a greenhouse gas that can harm the environment.
One option is to use propane as a source of energy. Propane is a very clean burning fuel and even listed as an alternative fuel. It can be used to power all sorts of equipment, appliances and even vehicles. A propane company such as Thrifty Propane can install a tank for you, either above ground or underground. If you pre-purchase propane during times when the price is historically low, this can be a cost-effective source of energy, as well. You can lease a tank or lease to own a tank, and Thrifty Propane offers free tanks if you pre-buy a specific amount of propane.
Many people are using solar energy, and there are quite a few advantages to this over sources such as coal and nuclear power. While you obviously must pay for the solar panels and their installation, the power from the sun is not only completely free, it also will never go away and this is a completely green source of energy. When your neighbors experience a power outage, your solar panels still will have energy so you won't lose power. This is true of propane, as well, which is another advantage of having a propane tank.
Beyond power, other utilities such as sewer services and water can be taken off the grid as well. It might surprise you to know that you can hire a well driller to create a system that will extract ground water from your property. This isn't cheap, but can be a great option if you really want off the grid or if you live in a rural area without easy access to water lines. You also can create a system to harness rainwater. A septic tank can be installed to deal with sewage, and while this requires maintenance and there are upfront costs, you can disconnect from local sewer lines.
Of course, there are plenty of little ways to reduce your carbon footprint even if you can't install all of the aforementioned systems. Carpooling, taking public transportation, walking or riding a bike can be one option. You can purchase appliances that are highly energy efficient and only run washing machines or dishwashers when you have full loads. Replace the grass and plants in your yards with plants that require little water or perhaps rock gardens or artificial turf. Eat locally produced foods and grow your own produce, and be sure to following the guidelines of reduce, reuse and recycle.
Electricity comes to our homes from several different sources, one of which is coal, and this is particularly bad for the environment. Nearly half of all Americans receive their electricity from coal, and about 20% rely on nuclear energy. While nuclear power might not spew carbon into the atmosphere, the nuclear waste poses many risks to the environment, and it is difficult to transport and store. Natural gas is yet another energy source and while it is cleaner than coal, it is considered a greenhouse gas that can harm the environment.
One option is to use propane as a source of energy. Propane is a very clean burning fuel and even listed as an alternative fuel. It can be used to power all sorts of equipment, appliances and even vehicles. A propane company such as Thrifty Propane can install a tank for you, either above ground or underground. If you pre-purchase propane during times when the price is historically low, this can be a cost-effective source of energy, as well. You can lease a tank or lease to own a tank, and Thrifty Propane offers free tanks if you pre-buy a specific amount of propane.
Many people are using solar energy, and there are quite a few advantages to this over sources such as coal and nuclear power. While you obviously must pay for the solar panels and their installation, the power from the sun is not only completely free, it also will never go away and this is a completely green source of energy. When your neighbors experience a power outage, your solar panels still will have energy so you won't lose power. This is true of propane, as well, which is another advantage of having a propane tank.
Beyond power, other utilities such as sewer services and water can be taken off the grid as well. It might surprise you to know that you can hire a well driller to create a system that will extract ground water from your property. This isn't cheap, but can be a great option if you really want off the grid or if you live in a rural area without easy access to water lines. You also can create a system to harness rainwater. A septic tank can be installed to deal with sewage, and while this requires maintenance and there are upfront costs, you can disconnect from local sewer lines.
Of course, there are plenty of little ways to reduce your carbon footprint even if you can't install all of the aforementioned systems. Carpooling, taking public transportation, walking or riding a bike can be one option. You can purchase appliances that are highly energy efficient and only run washing machines or dishwashers when you have full loads. Replace the grass and plants in your yards with plants that require little water or perhaps rock gardens or artificial turf. Eat locally produced foods and grow your own produce, and be sure to following the guidelines of reduce, reuse and recycle.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more details about Dayton propane retailers or to discover local Pittsburgh propane prices, please visit the Thrifty Propane site now.
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