Renewable Energy

Electricity generation is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Most of our electricity comes from coal, nuclear, and other fossil fuels power plants. Producing energy from these resources takes a severe toll on our environment, polluting our air, land and water.Coal and gas power plants emit:

• 36% of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a climate change or greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned. Currently, carbon dioxide emissions from coal and gas power plants are about 1 ton per person each year.

• 67% of the nation's sulfur dioxide (SO₂) when combined with rain water, creates acid rain. Acid rain damages the foliage of forests, crops, and other plants, and eventually can kill the plants. It also acidifies rivers and lakes causing them to be biologically "dead."

ABOUT GREEN POWER

Renewable energy or "green power" is generated by the sun, the wind, the earth, and the water. These resources replenish themselves naturally, never run out and are brought to you by the most powerful generator of clean energy: Nature.

Every time you switch on your lights, or use any electrical device, natural resources are consumed to generate the electricity that you use. A staggering ninety-eight percent of electricity in the United States comes from nonrenewable resources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and large hydro power.

Using nonrenewable resources to create electricity produces more harmful emissions linked to climate change than any other human activity. The remaining two percent of U.S. electricity generated from clean, renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro-electric and biomass, produce dramatically less air pollution and have significantly smaller environmental impacts.  

What You Can Do

Plant a tree.  Change a light bulb.  Drive less.  Everyone can make a difference and everyone can do their part.   

Here are some ways you can help:

Walk this Way
Consolidate errands so you complete them all in one car journey or if possible, ride a bike or walk to your destination.

See the Light
Switch from traditional to energy-efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Offset your Carbon Footprint
Visit AmericanForests.org to complete the short survey to tally your CO2 emissions and then donate enough trees to offset your carbon footprint. It's so easy!

Clean Up Your Act
Use nontoxic, concentrated cleaners. TryGet Clean™ the new natural line of household cleaners from Shaklee that are safe for you, your home and your planet. At Shaklee we believe that the small act of scouring the sink can be part of the giant act of changing the world. You can make an incredible difference by switching from conventional brands to the Get Clean Starter Kit. You'll eliminate 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills, 248 pounds of greenhouse gases and have the environmental equivalent of planting 10 trees. To date, consumers who've bought Get Clean Starter Kits have eliminated 4,247,248 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.


Remember the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)
Reduce your consumption of natural resources by reusing and recycling as much as possible. Consider the garbage can a last-resort option to be used sparingly.

BYOB (Bring your own bag)
Whether you're shopping at a grocery or department store, bring your own bag.  There is enough petroleum in 14 plastic bags to drive a car one mile.   Keep it for the car by bringing your own bag.  Don't have any?  Find them HERE!