Energy

Both the quest for energy sources and their harmful byproducts when used have probably contributed more to global warming than anything else.

First, great damage was done to the planet and continues to be done every day by removing fossil fuels from where they currently exist in the earth. All types of mining, oil wells and fracking to get at fossil fuels damages the very framework of the planet.

In addition, when accidents happen, such as oil leaks, the land, water and wildlife the oil touches are affected for decades.

To make things even worse, even after the damage has been done by their removal, the use of all fossils fuels involves burning them. When this happens, pollution is released into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to both poor health for people and global warming for the planet.

The energy crisis of the 1970s should have taught America something about how bad it is to be so dependent on fossil fuels. However, it did not encourage the use of sustainable sources of energy as it should have. It only encouraged less usage of non-sustainable ones.

The best thing that Americans can do for the planet is to give up their dependence on fossil fuels and instead become familiar with other sources of energy. Solar, wind, geothermal and water power all currently exist but they are not being used as much as they should.

Homeowners can easily do their part in healing the planet by immediately installing solar panels. If cost is a source of delay, there are many national and community programs willing to help homeowners pay for their installation. Many solar panel installers also combine the replacement of old roofs with the installation to save money. There are even tax credits for those who go this route.

However, you don't need to be a homeowner to make the switch from fossil fuels. Even apartment dwellers can choose to have the electricity they use come from solar or wind farms.

Innovations

In addition to switching the sources of our energy, better choices in cars and home construction offer ways to take advantage of non-fossil fuels.

Many communities are requiring all newly constructed public buildings to have solar panels. In addition, most public housing is being built to follow passive housing requirements. Passive houses use very little energy. Instead, they take advantage of east-and and south-facing windows for maximum heat by the sun and even capture the body heat of the occupants. Superior insulation and airflow systems allow this naturally occurring energy to be recycled instead of lost through the windows, walls or roof.

To lessen vehicle owners' dependence on oil, there need to be incentives for purchasing electric and hybrid cars. Solar batteries allow for the storage of the energy generated each day and can charge cars overnight when the sun is not shining.

More natural and non-polluting souces of vehicle power should also be explored for the many drivers who are still tied to their gas-powered machines, either by choice or necessity. Cars and other gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers can actually run on fuel made from corn oil.

This country already grows vast fields of corn. There is no reason why fuel could not be made from it. It would make the country more independent while lessening the expense and pollution of petroleum products. Corn is a renewable and non-polluting substance but the government needs to invest in it and promote it.

Also, currently, most of that corn goes to animal feed when cattle are actually mean to eat grass. Grass is free and does not cause the cows to produce excess methane (a global warming contributor) so using corn oil as fuel instead of feed for cows would actually solve two pollution problems.

With a little innovation and promotion, America could switch to sustainable sources of energy.

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