How well do you know about the green renewable energy that you can feel it and see it every day?
Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency. Conventional fission power is sometimes referred to as sustainable, but this is controversial politically due to concerns about peak uranium, radioactive waste disposal and the risks of disaster due to accident, terrorism, or natural disaster.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy. Some ways in which sustainable energy has been defined are:
- "Effectively, the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the future without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ...Sustainable Energy has two key components: renewable energy and energy efficiency." – Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (British)
- "Dynamic harmony between equitable availability of energy-intensive goods and services to all people and the preservation of the earth for future generations." And, "the solution will lie in finding sustainable energy sources and more efficient means of converting and utilizing energy." – Sustainable energy by J. W. Tester, et al, from MIT Press.
- "Any energy generation, efficiency & conservation source where: Resources are available to enable massive scaling to become a significant portion of energy generation, long term, preferably 100 years.." – Invest, a green technology non-profit organization.
- "Energy which is replenishable within a human lifetime and causes no long-term damage to the environment." – Jamaica Sustainable Development Network
This sets sustainable energy apart from other renewable energy terminology such as alternative energy and green energy, by focusing on the ability of an energy source to continue providing energy. Sustainable energy can produce some pollution of the environment, as long as it is not sufficient to prohibit heavy use of the source for an indefinite amount of time. Sustainable energy is also distinct from Low-carbon energy, which is only sustainable only in the sense that it does not add to the CO2 in the atmosphere.
Green energy is the term used to describe sources of energy that are considered to be environmentally friendly and non-polluting, such as geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro. Sometimes nuclear power is also considered a green energy source. Green energy sources are often considered "green" because they are perceived to lower carbon emissions and create less pollution.
Green energy is commonly thought of in the context of electricity generation. A fuller picture requires appreciation of efficient energy use as well as mechanical power, heating and cogeneration. Consumers, businesses, and organizations may purchase green energy to support further development, help reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity generation, and increase their nation’s energy independence. Renewable energy certificates (green certificates or green tags) have been one way for consumers and businesses to support green energy.
Green Gadgets: Tech, Renewable Energy & Batteries
Developments in personal renewable energy chargers for gadgets
Renewable energy chargers that are portable and not extraordinarily expensive are thankfully getting more commonplace. These make charging up your gadgets with sun and wind possible. While they don’t provide energy as cheaply as plugging into the wall when you factor in their purchase price, the energy used for your gadgets is at least clean and will, eventually, be free.
Portable wind-powered chargers
Right now, the only portable wind chargers readily available are the Hymini and Gotwind. These are fairly inexpensive and provide easy energy, especially when used in conjunction with bike riding. Solar chargers, on the other hand, are available in a wider variety of energy generation capabilities with different pricing that can fit many budgets.
Portable solar-powered chargers
The easiest charger to obtain is a solar charger because there is a wider selection. There are differences in solar chargers and what they’ll be able to provide to you in terms of power. Most solar chargers can easily handle gathering the energy needed for cell phones, music players, digital cameras and like gadgets. If you’re looking to charge your laptop, there is a slimmer selection but definitely still options. Charging more energy intensive gadgets than a laptop would make it more practical to look into a solar array for a home. But gadget-wise, you're pretty well covered with what is available on the market.
For an idea of what is available for laptops and smaller devices, you can check out our buy green guide for solar chargers, where we've done the footwork of finding the best of the best for you. But more and more, solar cells are being integrated into devices and options are expanding daily.
Better gadget batteries and fuel cell technology
While our ability to use the sun and wind to power our gadgets is increasing, so too is battery technology. Improvements are being made to batteries so they hold charges longer and maintain the ability to charge to capacity for longer. Additionally, alternative batteries are being created. These come in the form of ultracapacitors and fuel cells.
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