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All the energy we use comes from the earth. The electricity we use everyday doesn't come
directly from the earth, but we make electricity using the earth's
resources, like coal or natural gas. Both coal and natural gas are called
“fossil fuels” because they were formed deep under the earth during dinosaur
times. The problem is that fossil fuels can't be replaced - once we use them
up, they're gone forever. Another problem is that fossil fuels can cause
pollution.
Renewable energy is made from resources that Mother Nature will replace,
like wind, water and sunshine. Renewable energy is also called “clean
energy” or “green power” because it doesn’t pollute the air or the
water.
Why don’t we use renewable energy all the time?
Unlike natural gas and coal, we can’t store up wind and sunshine to
use whenever we need to make more electricity. If the wind doesn’t blow or
the sun hides behind clouds, there wouldn’t be enough power for everyone.
Another reason we use fossil fuels like coal and natural gas is because
they’re cheaper. It costs more money to make electricity from wind, and most
people aren’t willing to pay more on their monthly utility bills.
There are many ways to conserve the use of fossil fuel; using the sun, wind,
or water to produce electricity is among them. If you choose to do this, you
will be forced to be careful in the way you use your electricity because it
is limited. Whether you get your electricity from alternative sources or
from the grid, it pays to choose energy efficient appliances.
Front-loading clothes washers, for instance, use much less electricity,
water and soap than the top-loaders. Compact florescent lights use about a
third of the electricity of standard bulbs. Many appliances use electricity
by just being plugged in; be sure to avoid this.
 Using energy-saving appliances, such as highly insulated or gas
refrigerators and freezers, solar cookers, on-demand water heaters, and
hand-operated clothes washers are good for your pocket book and for the
earth. Renewable energy can supply a significant proportion of the
India's energy needs, creating many public benefits for the nation and for
states and regions, including environmental improvement, increased fuel
diversity and national security, and regional economic development benefits.
Using fossil fuels -- coal, oil and natural gas -- to make electricity
dirties the nation's air, consumes and pollutes water, hurts plants and
animal life, creates toxic wastes, and causes global warming. Using nuclear
fuels poses serious safety risks.
Renewable energy resources can provide many immediate environmental
benefits by avoiding these impacts and risks and can help conserve
fossil resources for future generations.
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