“Being Green” (no, not Kermit the Frog)

“Being Green” (no, not Kermit the Frog) … “Environmentally Friendly” (no, not the stereotypic treehugger) … “Sustainability” … “Carbon Footprint” … “Cap and Trade” … “Peak Oil” … “Renewable Energy” … “Corporate Responsibility” … “NGO” … “LEED Certification” are only a few of the many phrases we read about in our Sunday newspapers while relaxing with a cup of coffee. These terms have crept into our language quickly, and sometimes we may find ourselves wondering: What do these terms really mean and how do they apply to our everyday lives?

Let’s start with “Renewable Energy.” Renewable energy resources are categorized into wind and water, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen and hydropower. The top five states effectively using renewable energy are Texas, Montana, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota. Renewable energy is continuously replenished and therefore, on a global basis, we will never run out of these resources. This contrasts greatly to oil, coal and natural gas, all fossil fuels (found in deposits beneath the earth’s surface and formed from animals and plants that lived over 300 million years ago) and all nonrenewable.

Today we are heavily dependant on fossil fuels. Added to this mix, developing nations have increased their demand for energy and basic material resources. We have finite supplies and surging demand globally, leading to diminishing natural resources.

A survey released by AMP Agency (www.environmentalleaders.com, 8/16/08) reported approximately 90% of American consumers believe it is important to act responsibly towards the environment. It also showed that these same consumers believed that the responsibility to implement personal purchasing changes belonged to the corporations. We, as consumers, are reluctant to pay “now” for energy savings in the future. Corporations have been told by stakeholders to develop and utilize energy-efficient technology. However, they have experienced consumer distaste in purchasing a higher-priced item that may also entail lost comfort and convenience (CFL bulbs easily comes to mind). On the positive side, we are known to trust a company, 57%, after learning that a company is environmentally friendly. We are more likely, 58%, to recommend an environmentally conscious company to our friends and family. Also, 60% are more likely to purchase products or services from this company. We, female decision makers, are more environmentally conscious than males.

How do corporations entice us to follow them? The use of renewable energy is one way. Whole Foods

is committed to being 100% green powered. The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Beaver Creek, Colorado has been awarded Silver LEED Certification, the ninth hotel in the country. Westin’s Riverfront gets 50% of their energy from renewable resources, including wind.

Wind power is a source of renewable energy that is intermittent. We have all read fairytales taking place in Holland with windmills on the horizon. Today we can drive through southern California, Colorado, and Texas, to name a few places, where the landscape is dotted with wind turbines. They are also seen above the ocean’s surface. Most commercial wind turbines are on towers well above 100 feet tall. The turbines usually have two or three blades which are mounted on a shaft called a rotor. The wind’s energy rotates the blades and electricity is generated by spinning a generator.

Solar power is the leading source of renewable energy. Sunlight is converted into electricity via photovoltaic (PV) panels. Solar power is also intermittent (for example, cloud cover prevents direct sunlight) and sunlight predictions are calculated for optimal usage. Panels are usually placed on rooftops.

The organic matter in plants and plant-derived materials is biomass. This includes wood, grass, agricultural food crops and feeds, agriculture residues, and aquatic plants. Biomass can be utilized to generate electricity, transportation fuels, and chemicals. Some of the outstanding benefits for the development and use of bioenergy are a reduction in foreign oil dependence and potentially reducing air pollution by emitting less greenhouse gases.

Geothermal energy is heat from the earth in the form of hot water or steam. As an example of its use, in southern California hot water under the ground is funneled through insulated, underground pipes to heat buildings. On a larger scale, geothermal energy can generate electricity without pollutants. Something that we can relate to on an enjoyable scale is the hot springs we enjoy bathing in to relax.

This information can be overwhelming at first, but with a grasp of the basics, understanding today’s discussion centered on the environment will be clearer. If there is any topic of particular interest, please do not hesitate to forward your comments here.

The informative website www.nrel.gov is a great starting point for information regarding renewable energy.