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"The
ultimate test of the human conscience may be the willingness to do
something today for future generations whose words will not be
heard." -- Sen. Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day.
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"I am committed to the
use of renewable energy because it represents a long-term commitment to
meeting our energy needs in an environmentally responsible way." --
Tom DeBates
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When you
stop to think about it...
most of
our energy sources are solar based (exceptions: nuclear, geothermal).
- Oil,
coal, natural gas -- These were formed from plant-based materials
("powered" by the sun) which were deposited millions of
years ago. When you fill up your car with fuel, you are utilizing
"solar power," only in this case, it has
"by-products" (pollution).
- PV --
Direct from solar radiation
- Wind
-- Due to differential heating of air by the sun
- Hydroelectric
-- Solar energy supplies the "power" to transport the
water to high elevation.
We buy cars that
run on relatively inexpensive engines but expensive fuel. Using
renewable energy is just the opposite. Renewable energy startup costs are more
expensive, but the "fuel," the sun, is free, so in the end, we save
money... and the environment.
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