As concerns grow for the preservation of our environment, more and more people are beginning to recognize the importance of energy efficiency and what is being commonly referred to as “Green Energy”. In an effort to promote the rising movement for awareness on the subject, we?re publishing this simple, concise overview of Green Energy.

What is ?Green Energy??
The term ?Green Energy? is another way to describe the more technical terms, ?Sustainable Energy? and “Renewable Energy.”  Green Energy encompasses all of the aspects that we attribute to those forms of energy generation that are environmentally friendly, generally renewable, energy-efficient and ? most importantly ? will ensure the safety and health of future generations with consistent energy provisions.

What is ?Renewable Energy??
Simply put, Renewable Energy is any form of energy that is generated or produced by means of natural resources that won?t run out or harm our world further.

What are Some Examples of Green / Renewable Energy?
The most common forms of these Earth-Friendly energies come in the form of our most common forces of nature ? Sun, Wind and Water.  Solar plants gather the sun?s energy to produce clean, renewable electricity. You may have also seen towering windmills harnessing gusts and gales for energy production.  Hydroelectric power uses the force of water to spin turbines into renewable energy. Other resources include biofuels, geothermal and tidal power.

Why is Green Energy so important?
The future of our planet, as well as those who will inhabit it for generations to come, depends not only on access to energy but also on a clean, healthy habitat.  It is imperative that our ambitions today help to create this environment tomorrow. A huge part of Green Energy involves the development of technology that ultimately helps to improve energy efficiency and clean energy production as well as renewable forms of energy generation.

What are the immediate goals for the Green Energy Movement?
Energy efficiency is an ongoing effort in the Green Energy movement, with immediate goals in mind as well as working toward future prosperity.  Reduction in fossil fuels is our primary focus in this avenue.  By increasing the efficiency in the way we produce, store and use our energy, we reduce costs and demand.  When energy demand is reduced, it decreases our dependence on cheap, ?dirty? electricity comprised mostly of fossil fuels such as coal.  This allows us to meet the lowered demands with renewable energy more easily, thereby reducing harmful pollution.

Why don?t we all use Renewable Energy right now?
There are many factors that keep us all from using clean, renewable power all the time. One of the main reasons is cost, another is production volume.  Fossil fuels are simply cheaper and they produce a lot more energy in less time, and are more controllable.  Furthermore, our current renewable energy production volume is not significant enough to cover all the demand for electricity.  However, more and more electric providers and energy companies are offering ?Green Energy? plans to their consumers. Today, we have more availability to clean energy in the form of utility services offering 100% Renewable Energy. Many are also turning to ?Off-the-grid? solutions.

What does it mean if someone is ?Off The Grid?
?Off-the-Grid? is also known by the more technical term, ?Microgeneration?.  Those who are turning to this solution are key proponents in the Green Energy movement.  Microgeneration, or ?off-the-grid? energy solutions involve a complete, independent disconnection from the primary utility power grids.  Instead of depending on the energy grid to power and heat their homes, many are setting up their very own personal energy generation systems.  These set-ups range widely in their forms and functions, typically employing small-scale wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and solar power installations.

What can I do to get involved with the Green Energy movement?
Whether your home is powered by cheap fossil fuels or you?re already going green off the grid, you can play a major role in the ongoing efforts to secure clean, renewable energy and help preserve our planet.  Look for tips, ideas and resources online that might help you live more ?earth-minded? every day.  Do everything you can to save electricity and look for solutions with your energy provider. Make sure your electric company is ?green-friendly? and check available providers and rate plans for Renewable Energy options.

No single person can save the planet, it takes everyone doing their part.