Clean Energy Products
By Anita Winter
Utilizing clean energy products have recently become a popular movement among mainstream consumers. For others it has been an obligation they have taken seriously for years. Numerous European countries have utilized clean energy conservation for decades while America is just now catching on to the benefits.
There is no denying that the U.S. consumes more than its share of energy. In fact, we consume some of the highest amounts of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum and natural gas) and yet we are one of the last countries to adopt clean energy policies. Like doctors tell their patients that it's never too late to lose weight, we too can lose the need to over consume energy. Renewable resources are the best alternative to help conserve and protect our planet.
What is a renewable resource? It's a resource that can be used continuously without being completely depleted because it regenerates itself within a useful amount of time. Examples include water, wind power, solar energy and geothermal energy (power extracted from heat stored in the earth).
If you are interested in beginning your journey to conserve energy and save some money you should use products that are designed to reduce your home's energy bills.
Solar Powered Products
There are many products that utilize the energy from the sun. One such product is the solar panel. Solar panels are made from materials that allow it to convert the sun's rays into electrical energy. These panels are used to power homes and businesses thereby reducing energy use.
Today, with the introduction of flexible solar panels, our military uses tents with flexible solar panels that power all the high-tech equipment. Troops carry universal solar re-chargers connected to flexible solar cells to power equipment.
As the use of fossil fuel becomes more and more expensive and harmful to our environment, using solar energy is an alternative power source worthy of serious consideration. Solar power products are more accessible than ever before. These products include solar gardening lights, solar post caps and solar rechargeable batteries.
Gel Fuel Burns Clean
Gel fuel is a thickened ethanol that comes inside a can. When you use gel fuel, there is no smoke, soot or harmful toxins. However, there is a release of carbon dioxide into the air. This is the same gas that is exhaled with each breath but the amount is very minimal and harmless. Gel fuel is proven to be a safe, clean burning gel.
Using a gel fueled fireplace is one way to add to the comfort of your home while reducing energy consumption and pollutants. Gel fueled fireplaces are inexpensive, low maintenance and can be placed anywhere in a home because they do not require any serious installation such as running a gas line into the home. There is no ash or soot to clean up. These fuel fireplaces even have similarities to traditional wood fire.
Charcoal Alternatives
For those of you who love to barbecue, it's important to do it in a well ventilated environment. When charcoal is burned it gives off a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide which is odorless and tasteless. If charcoal is burned indoors, or in an enclosed space, the gas cannot escape and it builds up in the air that you are breathing. Carbon monoxide can make you extremely sick very quickly.
Instead of dealing with toxic air, clear the air and your conscience at the same time with coconut charcoal. It is a great alternative to traditional charcoal because it is made from 100 percent coconut shells and copra (dried coconut). Plus, it burns hotter, longer and produces less ash. Because it's free from petroleum, sawdust, nitrates and other chemical additives, gourmet chefs and grilling enthusiasts can focus on the true flavor of meats, spices and rubs. The consistent high heat given off by coconut charcoal cooks evenly, sears meat and locks in flavor without any coconut flavoring coming through. Even better, coconut charcoal is a sustainable and renewable resource.
LED Lights Enhance and Save
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a semiconductor device which converts electricity into light. LED lighting has been around since the 1960s, but is just now beginning to appear in the residential market for space lighting. LED s are better at placing light in a single direction than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
LED lights are more rugged and damage-resistant than compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. LED lights don't flicker which results in these devices giving off even lighting. LED strip lights are very handy to illuminate under counters, hallways and staircases. A cluster of LED s can be used for lighting nearly any room. Some manufacturers consider applications such as gardens, walkways and decorative fixtures outside garage doors to be the most cost-efficient.
Uses include:
- Task and reading lamp
- Linear strip lighting (under kitchen cabinets)
- Recessed lighting/ceiling fans
- Porch/outdoor/landscaping lighting
- Art lighting
- Night lights
- Stair and walkway lighting
- Pendants and overhead lamps
- Retrofit bulbs for lamps
These are just a few examples among the thousands of clean energy products available. We can start off by taking baby steps toward changing small items in our homes such as using LED night lights or installing a gel fueled fireplace this winter. The impact in the long run has the potential to be successful. We simply need to take action now rather than later.
