| It is estimated that our natural resources will be | | | | efficient, but we are on the right track, things just need |
| completely depleted within the next 150 years. It is | | | | improvement. |
| because of this that we as a society need to be | | | | Another problem I see with wind turbines is the amount |
| actively searching for sources of alternative energy. | | | | of profit many companies stand to make for putting |
| Alternative energy, whether it is used to replace fuels | | | | them in. Individuals are making millions off of this and |
| such as coal, or to reduce our reliance on petroleum | | | | that is just not right when our well-being is at stake. |
| based fuels; alternative energy is one of the most | | | | However, if you're interested in using wind power as |
| important issues facing society today. | | | | your own source of alternative energy, it is a viable |
| The two most common types of alternative energy | | | | option. Many farms and rural communities use these |
| are: | | | | wind turbines to power themselves. In smaller numbers, |
| * Wind power | | | | the cost of building the turbines pays for itself relatively |
| * Solar power | | | | quickly. But wind energy is only one form of alternative |
| Both of these alternative energy sources are | | | | energy. Next, we will look at using solar power as an |
| harnessed from natural resources, and as such are | | | | alternative power source. |
| completely free. Only the equipment and technology | | | | Solar Power |
| cost money, and over time as we advance the costs | | | | Solar power is alternative energy derived from the |
| should be reduced. | | | | power of the sun. Solar energy is also completely free, |
| It is these free sources of alternative energy that we | | | | except for the cost of installing the equipment |
| should be pursuing with the most fervency, so that, | | | | necessary to convert the sun's rays into usable |
| eventually, energy can be available to all regardless of | | | | electricity. This equipment is becoming less and less |
| income. Below we will take a look at these two most | | | | expensive every day. Solar power generally ends up |
| common sources of alternative energy. | | | | paying for itself within the first few years. |
| Wind Power | | | | The equipment needed to use solar power as an |
| Wind power, while a free source of alternative energy, | | | | alternative energy source for your home can be |
| would be the most costly type of renewable energy | | | | bought at virtually any home improvement store, and |
| to power our nation. This is largely in part to the fact | | | | can usually be installed in just a few hours. If you don't |
| that we must first place wind turbines across the | | | | feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are a great |
| country, in enough numbers to provide electricity to | | | | number of contractors available who can install your |
| communities nationwide, even in areas where the wind | | | | solar panels and generators for you. |
| velocity is not as strong. The cost of building enough of | | | | Regardless of which type of alternative energy you |
| these turbines to harness the wind's alternative energy | | | | choose to use in your own home, the fact remains |
| would be staggering. | | | | that we must find a renewable source of energy soon, |
| Also these wind turbines are very unsightly and would | | | | or be at risk of losing the few natural resources we |
| ruin very beautiful and scenic parts of the country. It | | | | have left to burn. Contact your Congressman today, |
| should also be noted that they only produce power 1/8 | | | | and ask what is being done to find a good source of |
| of the time that they are running. That is not very | | | | alternative energy; and what you can do to help. |