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.
Most of our homes receive power from electric plants and from natural gas lines. While it is inexpensive and plentiful, natural gas is a greenhouse gas. Coal is the most common fuel for electrical plants in the United States and one of our nation's largest sources of pollution. Nuclear energy doesn't release greenhouse gases, but it does produce highly dangerous and toxic waste, and there is also the potential for catastrophic meltdowns at a nuclear power plant.
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.
Solar panels are another source of energy that many people are installing these days. With solar energy, you will contribute nothing toxic to the environment and reduce your need to use electricity from a utility company entirely. Of course, there is a substantial up-front cost involved with installing these panels, but over time, you definitely will see a savings, and if the grid experiences a power outage, this shouldn't have any effect on you. This is also another advantage with propane, as well.
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.
For those who cannot make these changes, there are still ways to live a little greener. Reduce the amount of time you spend driving by carpooling or uses buses or trains. If you are close enough to work to bike or walk, consider doing this a few times each week. Shop at your local farmer's market and buy foods sourced close to home whenever possible and cook using seasonal ingredients. You can even grow some of your own produce, even if you have a small yard. These are just a few ways that you can live a greener lifestyle.
Most of our homes receive power from electric plants and from natural gas lines. While it is inexpensive and plentiful, natural gas is a greenhouse gas. Coal is the most common fuel for electrical plants in the United States and one of our nation's largest sources of pollution. Nuclear energy doesn't release greenhouse gases, but it does produce highly dangerous and toxic waste, and there is also the potential for catastrophic meltdowns at a nuclear power plant.
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.
Solar panels are another source of energy that many people are installing these days. With solar energy, you will contribute nothing toxic to the environment and reduce your need to use electricity from a utility company entirely. Of course, there is a substantial up-front cost involved with installing these panels, but over time, you definitely will see a savings, and if the grid experiences a power outage, this shouldn't have any effect on you. This is also another advantage with propane, as well.
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.
For those who cannot make these changes, there are still ways to live a little greener. Reduce the amount of time you spend driving by carpooling or uses buses or trains. If you are close enough to work to bike or walk, consider doing this a few times each week. Shop at your local farmer's market and buy foods sourced close to home whenever possible and cook using seasonal ingredients. You can even grow some of your own produce, even if you have a small yard. These are just a few ways that you can live a greener lifestyle.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves blogging reviews on propane retailers. For more information about Dayton propane retailers or to discover local Pittsburgh propane prices, please check out the Thrifty Propane site today.
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