What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is an infinite energy source.  Essentially, power can be produced over and over and never runs out, and is usually harnessed from the many forces of nature.

Below are eight types of renewable energy sources available, as well as a brief explanation of how they generate power.

Wind

Wind turbines turn kinetic energy from the wind into an electric current.

Solar

This is where sunlight is captured through solar panels and converted into electricity.

Tidal

The movement of tides generate turbines which in turn generates energy. This is probably one of the most reliable renewable energy sources compared to wind and solar.

Wave

Wave energy captures the force of wind generated by waves.

Hydrological/hydroelectric

This is energy harnessed from the movement of water in rivers, lakes and Dams.

Geothermal

This uses the natural heat of the earth in volcanic regions.  Water is pumped underground which is then converted into steam.

Biomass

This is organic material which can be burned and used as energy. Examples of this include rapeseed which is converted into oil, then after treatment can be used as fuel in diesel engines.  This energy type is sustainable if crops are replanted.   

Wood

Trees are cultivated and chopped down and burned to generate heat and light.  This is deemed as renewable if trees are replaced, although this energy source is not very environmentally friendly as burning of wood emits Co2 which contributes towards global warming, unless trees are replanted to absorb the harmful gases emitted.

How can I make a difference?

With the rise of fuel and utility costs and the threat of global warming evermore in the spotlight, renewable energy is fast becoming the cheaper and cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel sources such as oil and gas. 

If you are considering renewable energy in order to reduce your heating bills and to decrease your carbonfootprint, there are many options available for homes and businesses, including:-

Biomass boilers – These use wood as a fuel source.  As long as the wood is from a sustainable source, these are very environmentally friendly as newly replanted trees absorb carbon dioxide which is released from burning wood.  The government set up a scheme called ‘Renewable Heat Incentive’ which pays for every kWh of heat produced by a biomass boiler.

Air source heat pumps – These absorb heat from the outside air which can then be used to heat water and radiators.  These devices can extract heat from the air, even if the temperature is as low as -15c!

  

Solar Panels - So far, 450,000households in the UK have solar panels installed, making it one of the most popular choices for renewable energy.  Solar panels capture the suns energy which is then converted to electricity.  Since solar power is a green energy, it doesn’t release any harmful toxins into the atmosphere and is very reliable, providing you have a south facing roof on your home in order to capture the maximum amount of light.

Solar thermal heating systems - Unlike solar panels which capture the light, solar thermal heating systems uses the heat from the sun to heat water in domestic and commercial premises.  The performance of these devices depends on climate, so if there is a cold weather, the extraction of heat from the sun may be impeded.

These are just some of the ways that householders and business owners can help the environment and save money, however simple changes such as watching your energy consumption and being mindful about the products that you buy, will mean you are making a difference for your finances and the planet.

This is a guest post provided for www.riablahgs.com's readers.

Common Alternative Energy Sources

The modern times have paved way to a lot of advancement of technology and industrialization. It also is one of the reason for more use of energy in the form of natural gas, nuclear and other alternative electricity.

Energy is sourced in many ways and at times, how we get our energy is a stark revelation of how much nature plays a big role in the production of energy. More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of using alternative sources of energy to supply their requirement. Use of alternative energy will help preserve the environment by decreasing the pollutants.

Below are some common alternative energy sources that are now being tapped and used by discerning consumers.

Solar energy

The sun is the most common source of energy. It is renewable too as long as the sun exists. Solar power is harnessed by trapping the sun's rays into solar panels or cells where they are converted to electricity.

This natural source of energy does not release water nor air pollution because of the lack of chemical reaction from the combustion of fuels. It is commonly used for heating and lighting.


Wind power

Wind energy is considered one of the promising ways to harness natural energy to provide consumers clean electricity. It taps the power of the wind to propel the blades of wind turbines to produce electrical current. Plenty of coastal towns have taken advantage of wind power to produce electricity enough to power a small community and to pump water for crops and their livestock.

This is more affordable, available and pollution-free source of energy and there are no harmful by-products of this source of energy.


Geothermal energy

Geothermal means earth's heat. It taps the heat energy present underneath the Earth such as hot rocks which heats water to produce steam. The steam is purified and used to power turbines which in turn, produces electricity to power generators.

Geothermal energy does not produce any harmful by-products to the environment.


Hydroelectric Energy

This type of energy source comes from the energy of water in the dam which drives turbines and generators. It can also harness the kinetic energy of water. This is the reason why dams are built around bodies of water as the concentrate flow of water can be used to turn turbines.

The beauty of this energy source is that it can pump back water to the dams and reuse when needed.


All thee alternative energy sources are ways to help consumers go about their daily tasks whilst ensuring that the environment is not harmed nor overly utilized.

Energy Saver Refrigerator

Photo credit: goedekers.com

I have been researching on the best refrigerators which are energy efficient for home use. I have plenty of hits but what caught my attention the most is this kbfs20evms. It is the first time I have encountered such term and when I dug deeper, I learned more.

KBFS20EVMS is model of a KitchenAid refrigerator which can pass for an industrialized ref used in food establishments. It is stainless steel built and has fresh chill temp. system, an internal water dispenser, adjustable spill-clean glass shelves, ice maker, electronic controls including humidity-controlled crispers.

I just love KitchenAid appliances. I never had one but I am really saving up for it because I have heard from friends who own KitchenAid that they are durable and energy efficient.

Happy Thoughts and Positive Energy

I don't have a perfect life. It's far from rosy but that doesn't deter me from being happy and positive despite of the circumstances surrounding my family back home.

I remember the happy times when my dad was still alive. My family back home was the picture of happiness and contentment. However, when my dad passed away 6 years ago, everything he worked hard for went down the drain. Our business, the savings, the properties...  nothing is left except for the house my dad and mom built with their own hard labor. And that house is slowly rotting, the memories, the values, the hope.

I try to salvage what ever I can but I will let God's will be done. I will maintain happy thoughts and encourage positive energy to come but if the people I am helping doesn't want it, so be it. I cannot live the life they have chosen.

God is good and He never fails. If people don't see it that way then it's not my problem anymore. I will keep believing. I will keep praying and I will keep asking God for blessings because He knows I deserve it.

Earth Hour 2011 in My Home

Like the previous years, we participate again in Earth Hour 2011. We actually started a little early than usual. We switched the lights off at 8:00 p.m. So our Earth Hour 2011 celebration is 1 and 1/2 hours in total. I hope others did that too. Here are some snaps I've taken to commemorate this worthy cause. We will do it again next year and the years to come. That is for sure!

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Tea lights on our dining table which were the only ones illuminating the area. 

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This is our fish aquarium. They also participated in this worthy cause. They seem to not mind ;)

And Then There Was Light

I am so bored with our ceiling lights. They are hanging lights which look more of a mini chandelier. I think they are so outdated.

I love contemporary stuff in my living room. However, my husband is the practical one who keeps telling me not to buy expensive items for the flat where we are currently staying at because the place is not ours.

I always remind him that we can take whatever we bought back in the Philippines. I can always rent for a big container if I have too.

I just feel like the lights are so old-fashioned. I want hanging spotlights just like the hanging lamps I saw in the mall last week. They are sleek and uses energy-saving bulbs. I will have to convince my husband though since we are updating the living room; maybe we can also include the lights.

Just Another Manic...Sunday

I don't know how I am going to recharge myself and it's only the first day of the week here. I feel like I have maxed out my reserved energy today. I don't know how I am going to go through the week though. My calendar is about to burst with activities. I have a summer-job-trainee to train for a week, work to accomplish and manuals to edit - all in my lonesome in the office. Well, I am not worried with work as much as I am worried with how to spread myself thinly to everyone who needs my time and attention. Oh, we're not even talking about Millie the Diva Dog! Her demands are just incredulous! Then for my personal and social welfare, I have a party to attend to on Thursday night, an alumni meeting the next day and a doctor's appointment on Saturday. Not only that, I have to squeeze in half an hour of exercise after work for 5 days. Whew! I must be Super Woman!!!

The Spirit Is Willing...

I have been down and out lately. It's quite unusual for a perky girl like me to be sullen. I guess it has to do with my hormonal imbalance ;) I have been sleeping like a log lately. I am just too tired and my energy is maxed out by the time I come home. Yesterday, I went home around 7 p.m. from work and I was so exhausted. I am feeling guilty now because I barely have time to talk to my family, let alone do some activities with them because I just don't have energy left to spare. I hope they forgive me... Right now, the little princess is sleeping but while she was awake, I was the one having the zzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

I think it's high time to re-think my priorities. I can't go on like this... I am now the classic example of the saying "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."